In Abakaliki, a Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Chikodili Igboji, a 29-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 50-year-old widow. The decision was made by Magistrate Chinedu Agama-Agama on Wednesday after rejecting the defendant’s plea for bail.
The alleged incident occurred on October 5 at Udenyi village, Izzo Imoha, in the Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi, where Igboji faces a charge of sexual assault. Despite pleading not guilty during the court proceedings, the magistrate deemed it necessary to remand him in a correctional facility.
During the bail application, Francis Nwelom, the defendant’s attorney, stressed Igboji’s innocence. However, Insp. Stanley Ngene, the prosecution attorney, objected to the bail request, citing the severity of the crime. Ngene pointed out that the offense is punishable under section 358 of the 2009 Ebonyi State of Nigeria’s CAP 33 vol. 1 statutes, criminal code.
Post-court session, the survivor, a mother of six, shared her harrowing experience with reporters. She recounted how the accused, armed with a knife, intruded into her home at night, awakening her from sleep. The defendant allegedly threatened her life, compelling her to remain silent.
Source: Daily Post
