The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Lagos State has recommended the trial of a 70-year-old man, Sylvester Ike, for the alleged rape of his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter.

The DPP issued the advice last Thursday at an Ajegunle Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, following which the Magistrate, Mrs. O.M. Ajayi, adjourned till September 20

The report noted, among others, that the girl’s complaint to the police raised several questions that required answers from the defendant.

The girl complained that the defendant summoned her to his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand. When she came to him, he locked his door and sexually assaulted her.

She said: “After he finished, he asked me not to tell anyone. When I got to the house, I sat on the sofa and was crying. When my mother came, she asked me what was wrong. I couldn’t tell her because of the threat.

“My mother pulled me up and saw that my skirt was soaked in blood. She took me inside the room and asked me who did this to me, and then I told her that it was Mr. Ike that did it.”

Ike, of No. 3, Remi Street, Ojo, Lagos, was brought before the court last June by the police on a temporary one-count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Prosecuting Inspector Augustine Ejembi alleged that the defendant committed the offence at about 9pm on March 10, in his apartment.

The court heard that Ike had unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Ike pleaded not guilty.