Court remands man for alleged rape, infecting victim with HIV

An Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday remanded a 29-year-old man, Morufu Sofoluwe, in prison custody for allegedly raping his nine-year-old neighbour’s daughter and infecting her with HIV.

The prosecutor, Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the offence was committed sometime in July at Isale-Abetu in Abeokuta.

He said the accused lured the victim, whose parents were his neighbours, into his room and had carnal knowledge of her.

“The nine-year-old girl, who had been ill for a while, was taken to the hospital on August 28. Tests were carried out and the results indicated that she has HIV.

“After questioning, the victim later told her parents that the accused was the one, who defiled her. The accused has also been diagnosed with HIV,’’ the prosecutor said.

He said the offence contravened Section 218 of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The court did not take the plea of the accused.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Anthony Araba, ordered that the accused be remanded in Oba Prison pending the advice by the Director of Public Prosecution.

He adjourned till October 30.