Magistrate Court in Ogudu Remands 22-Year-Old Security Guard Over Alleged Rape of Four-Year-Old Girl
A magistrate court in Ogudu, Lagos State, has ordered the remand of a 22-year-old security guard, Ifeanyi Kelvin Udoka, on allegations of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl.
The suspect was detained at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The court’s decision was announced by Magistrate S.K. Matepo, who ordered that Udoka be held in custody until the next hearing scheduled for June 25, 2024.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety and security within educational institutions.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, Udoka was accused of defiling the young girl at King Heritage School located in Ikosi Ketu, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The police charged him with having canal knowledge of the minor in May 2024 — an act alleged to be punishable under Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.
The exact wording of the charge states: “That you, Ifeanyi Kelvin Udoka ‘M,’ sometimes in May 2024, at King Heritage School Ikosi Ketu in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did defile one (name withheld), ‘F,’ aged four years, by having canal knowledge of her, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 137 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.”
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the allegations surfaced after the girl’s grandmother noticed unusual behaviors exhibited by the child following her return from school.
The child reportedly started urinating uncontrollably during the day, an abnormal behavior that prompted concern.
Further investigation revealed some discharge on the girl’s pants, prompting her grandmother to inquire about her experiences at school.
During her disclosure, the young girl reportedly told her grandmother that the security guard at the school had touched her “bum bum,” raising suspicion and leading to the child’s medical examination and subsequent police intervention.
The case is currently being prosecuted at the Ketu Police Station. The court’s adjournment to June 25 will allow the prosecution to seek the advice of the DPP regarding the case’s progression.
Child protection advocates and members of the local community have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of strict security protocols within educational institutions to safeguard vulnerable children.
Local residents and parents have called for increased vigilance and thorough background checks on staff working with children at schools and other facilities. Many have also urged authorities to ensure justice is served swiftly and adequately for the young victim.
As the legal process unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
