Father, Son Docked For Defiling Minor In Edo

A 50-year-old man, Reuben Enosegbe has been dragged before an Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court in Benin, Edo state for allegedly defiling a 10-year old girl.

Enosegbe was arraigned along side his 16-year-old son, Reuben Destiny for allegedly having carnal knowledge of the minor.

CityMirrorNews Recalls that a 70-year old grand father and his two sons had earlier been arraigned in court about one week ago for allegedly defiling a  nine-year-old  girl in Benin.

Enosegbe and Destiny were charged with acount charge each for having carnal knowledge of the minor.

The offence according to police prosecutor was contrary to and   punishable under Section  218 of  the Criminal Code Cap 48 Volume 2 Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo state.

The accused persons, Reuben Enosegbe and Reuben Destiny however pleaded not guilty to the allegations leveled against them.

The Defense Counsel, Mr. Nicholas Omobude who pleaded for their bail informed the court that the accused were innocent of the crime until proven otherwise.

Omobude assured that the accused persons will not jump bail if granted.

He also pleaded  that the second accused person is a minor and should be  granted bail.

But his efforts to secure their bail hit a brick wall as Chief Magistrate Efe Akhere held that the matter will not be tried at his court.

The court subsequently transfered the case  to a  family court where the accused persons’ bail will be considered for bail upon resumption on Wednesday April 21, 2018.

In the meantime, the 1st accused person would be remanded at Oko Prison while his son who is a minor would cool off at Children’s Remand Home, Ugbekun Quarters.

Speaking on the outcome of the court procedings, the defence Counsel, Nicholas Omobude, expressed optimism that his clients will get justice.

The 10-year-old victim who was also in court, had alleged that the  duo had a carnal knowledge of her at different occasions.

The minor said she was always lured by sending her an errand to buy recharge card and at times given N20. 00 by the suspects after the countless times they defiled her.

Members of Child Protection Network led by Jennifer Ero were in court.

Jennifer Ero lamented the increasing cases of child defilement across the country while assuring that the network will pursue the cases to logical conclusion.

The Benin based human rights activist however urged parents and other caregivers to always report cases of defilement, rape and related offences to relevant authorities including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s).