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By Grace Egbunuekhe
A 13-year-old boy, whose name was withheld, and a 49-year-old woman, Beatrice Onokhua, have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court 1, Ikorodu, Lagos, over the alleged indecent assault of a nine-year-old girl and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
While the boy was accused of allegedly indecently assaulting the nine-year-old girl, Onokhua was charged with allegedly conducting herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.
The defendants were arraigned on a two-count charge before Chief Magistrate S.K. Matepo, following a police investigation into the incident, which allegedly occurred on August 22, 2026, at about 6am at No. 7, God Grace Estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
According to the charge sheet, the boy allegedly inserted his finger into the private part of the girl, an act the prosecution said contravened Section 136 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Onokhua was, however, accused of conducting herself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, contrary to Section 168(i) of the same law.
The court was told that Onokhua had organised a summer camp for children at the premises, with both the boy and the alleged victim participating in the programme.
The prosecution alleged that the incident occurred when the girl went into a room to pick up a chair and the boy allegedly followed her into the room.
According to the police account, the matter was later brought to Onokhua’s attention. However, rather than being resolved, the situation allegedly escalated into a confrontation.
The matter was subsequently reported at the Igbogbo Police Station, prompting an investigation by the police and the eventual arraignment of the defendants.
When the charges were read in court, the 13-year-old boy’s plea was not taken because of his age, while Onokhua pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.
The prosecutor, ASP Isaac A., appeared for the police.
Following the proceedings, the court granted both defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two responsible sureties.
The case was adjourned until October 17, 2026, for further proceedings.
