A 33-year-old man, Happiness Opeyemi, has been remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre over the alleged defilement of his wife’s 10-year-old niece.

The defendant was arraigned before an Oyo State Family Court in Ibadan on Friday, facing a one-count charge of rape.

The prosecuting counsel, Insp. Adenike Adeyemi, told the court that the defendant unlawfully had sexual intercourse with his wife’s niece, who was staying with them, in 2023.

Adeyemi said the offence was allegedly committed at their home in the Onila Olomiyeye area of Ibadan.

She stated that the offence contravened Section 34 of the Oyo State Child Rights Law, 2006.

Magistrate Mrs. Serifat Adesina did not, however, take the defendant’s plea due to a lack of jurisdiction. She ordered his remand pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. The matter was adjourned until March 11 for mention. (NAN)