In a shocking and disturbing incident, a 14-year-old boy has been remanded in the Agodi Corrections facility in Ibadan for allegedly defiling a 22-month-old baby.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter laws to address sexual offences against minors.
The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with defilement before Chief Magistrate P.O. Adetuyibi in Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The magistrate did not take the plea of the minor for want in the jurisdiction, and ordered the police to send the case file to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
The prosecution counsel, Inspector Oluwakemi Arowosaye, told the court that the boy resides with his parents at No. 4, Salawu Street in Ibadan. She also stated that the baby, an orphan, was left in the care of her sister.
According to Inspector Arowosaye, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 34 of the Child’s Right Law of 2006.
News About Nigeria understands that the baby has been taken by the Oyo State Child Welfare Department of the Ministry for Women Affairs.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stricter laws and harsher punishments for those found guilty of sexual offences against minors.
It has also highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive sex education to protect minors from sexual abuse and exploitation.
