70-Year Old Grandpa, Two Sons Arraigned For Defilement

A 70-year-old man, Francis Ezomo and his two sons have been arraigned before Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court, Benin, Edo state for allegedly defiling a nine-year old girl.

The trio are facing two count charges bothering on conspiracy and defilement which was preferred against by the Nigeria Police Force.

Upon arrival in court, the minor who is now under the custody of Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development broke down into tears upon sighting her guardian and others docked.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Julie Olatunji told the court that the little girl had informed her headmistress how the accused persons defiled her severally.

She said the case was thereafter reported at the state Executive Council meeting where Governor Godwin Obaseki ordered a full scale investigation into the matter which led to the arraignment of the suspects.

Julie Olatunji also told the court that upon medical examination, the girl’s hymen was broken and infected while she is currently being treated.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Counsel to the 1st accused person, Barrister Simeon Atalor however applied for the bail of the defendant whom he said was ill and visually-impaired
The subsequently granted him N100, 000 bail with a surety in the like sum.

But two of his sons, Nosa and Festus were denied bail while the case has been adjourned till April 19.

A Benin based activist, Jennifer Ero who witnessed the court procedures, said they will follow the matter to a logical conclusion.

Ero, Executive Director of Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons (SEYP), lamented the increasing rate of cases of defilement especially against minors in the state.

She noted that sexual abuse against children are mostly committed by relatives including fathers, brothers, uncles among others.

“It’s simply why we always advise mothers and caregivers to be watchful of their daughters and they should be given early sex education so that whenever anyone attempt to abuse they speak out”, she said.