A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrates’ court for allegedly raping an 18-year-old sales girl at a boutique in Lagos State, western Nigeria.
The presiding magistrate of the court, Mrs Joy Ugbomoiko ordered him to be remanded in prison custody without any bail option.
The suspect, Okechukwu Okere, allegedly went to the boutique, where the victim is the sale’s person, pretending that he wanted to buy clothes and shoes. But unknown to the victim, he had another motive.
According to the victim, immediately Okere entered the shop, he held her by the throat and threw her to the floor and she became unconscious.
In spite of her unconscious state, the suspect allegedly pulled her pair of jeans trousers and her underwear and started having sex with her.
While he was allegedly raping her, a neighbour, Innocent Chukwu, opened the boutique shop saw what was happening and alerted other neighbours who went there to rescue the victim.
During the rescue process, suspect attempted to escape but he was prevented by the residents who apprehended and handed him over to the police at Itire division.
The victim was taken to the hospital where she was revived out of her unconscious state. She sustained injuries in her eyes and private part.
Okere in his statement to the police, admitted that he raped the victim.
Okere said he’s from Orlu in IMO State but lives at 4, Smith Fadairo Street in Mushin, Lagos State.
He was charged with attempted murder, rape and assault under the Criminal Code. When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Mr U. A. Oje informed the court that the victim was still lying in critical condition at the hospital because he held her throat tightly until she collapsed and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
The matter was adjourned till 22 February, 2016.
