Two suspects have been arraigned before the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Monday, for alleged child marriage and defilement.
A customary marriage rite had been performed in August 2019 between a minor (name withheld) and the second defendant, Awele Odigo, on Musbau Ashafa Street, off Agbe Road, Abule Egba in Lagos.
One of the defendants, Henry Onyekwere, and some others who are yet to be apprehended, had conspired to marry the 16-year-old off to Odigo.
The age of the minor was allegedly falsely declared in an affidavit at a magistrate’s court in Ogba on June 30, 2021.
The second defendant, Odigo, was accused in count two of defilement, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2016. He was said to have copulated with her.
The defendant was also arraigned for unlawful engagement in child marriage contrary to Section 210 (24) A, B, C of the Child Rights Law 2015.
They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Abiola Soladoye adjourned the case till February 6, 2022.
