Mufutau Taiwo, a herb seller, otherwise known as "concoction" in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has been dragged before a Family Magistrates' Court for allegedly engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with his eight-year-old biological daughter.
City & Crime reports that Mr Taiwo (35) was arraigned on a single charge of rape, which the police said contradicted section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2021.
The prosecutor, Supol Martins Olowofeso, informed the court that the defendant was apprehended on June 18, 2024 following a report to the anti-kidnapping unit of the police at Alagbaka, about the inappropriate relationship between him and his daughter.
The defendant was subsequently detained for further investigation.
A copy of the charge sheet reads, "That you, Mufutau Taiwo, (35) male, on June 5, 2024, about 4pm at number 40 Egbe-Road, Ayedun Quarters, Akure, did have carnal knowledge of your daughter (name withheld), aged 8 years, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021."
According to Mr Olowofeso, Taiwo and his wife ran away from their house after the crime and went to Osun State to obtain a fake doctor's report, claiming that nothing happened to the girl.
He further told the court that the police investigating officer (IPO) conducted another test in Akure, which revealed that there was penetration and the girl had been bleeding for three days.
According to Olowofeso, the defendant confessed to the alleged crime during questioning by the investigating officer.
The plea of the defendant was not taken due to the nature of the offence.
Through an application, Olowofeso urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the issuance of advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Counsel to the defendant, G.O. Omoedu, informed the court that his client had just been served and he would need time to respond on points of law.
He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to reply to the remand application.
Magistrate B.A. Alipohul ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case till July 4, 2024 for further mention.
