Man, 30, In Custody For Alleged Rape

A 30-year-old man, Mr Nsika Thomas, a native of Akwa Ibom State residing at Ukpo Avenue, Bonny has been remanded in prison custody by a Bonny Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, Miss Favour Amos.

The accused was charged on a one count charge of rape before Chief Magistrate Victor Ugorji Esq.

The prosecuting police officer, Inspector S. Harry alleged that the accused, on the 31st day of January 2013 at Ukpo Avenue, Bonny in the Bonny Magisterial district did unlawfully have carnal knowledge of one Favour Amos aged 13-years without her consent.

The police prosecutor further alleged that the accused committed an offence punishable under section 218 of the criminal code Cap 37) Vol.2 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.

The accused was not allowed to take any plea on the matter brought against him.

Ruling on the matter, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Victor Ugorji (Esq) ordered that the accused person be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of DPP’s report on the matter. He further directed the prosecutor to forward the original file of the matter to DPP for legal advice and informed the accused that he had the choice to approach high court for his bail.

He averred that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain and hear the matter and adjoured the case to 25th February, 2013 for mention.