Carpenter charged for raping undergraduate

A 25-year-old carpenter, James Sodiq, on Friday appeared in an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting at Isabo for allegedly raping a 23-year-old 400 level National Open University student.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Famus Edigbue, told the court that Sodiq committed the offence on Nov. 18, at No. 2 Ilupeju Street, Ijeun-Titun, Abeokuta.

Edigbue said that the accused, whose house was behind the victim’s, broke into her room, masked and armed with a machete had an unlawful carnal knowledge of the student.

“He threatened to kill the victim if she attempted to alert anyone and raped her. The victim that night followed the accused to know his identity.

“The victim raised alarm in the morning which led to the arrest of the accused. Doctor’s report also confirmed that there were traces of forceful penetration and semen,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

Sodiq, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Babajide ilo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ilo, adjourned the case till Jan. 22, 2016, for hearing.