A 40-year-old carpenter, James Kola, who allegedly defiled his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday.
Kola, who resides at Ilupeju area of Lagos, is facing a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Insp. Christopher John told the court that the accused committed the offence between 2017 and 2018, at his residence.
John said the accused was caught by his neighbours while having sexual intercourse with the girl in his room.
He said the accused had been having sexual intercourse with the minor since 2017 until he was caught.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 137 stipulates a life imprisonment on conviction.
Chief Magistrate P.E. Nwaka in his ruling granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Nwaka adjourned the case until May 2 for the mention.
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