A 60-year-old man, Samson Obio, on Wednesday appeared before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates' Court charged with raping a 12-year-old girl.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Michael Imiavan, said that the accused, on Feb. 19, at Oora village near Ilesa in Osun? unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the little girl.
Imiavan said the offence was punishable under section 218 of the Criminal Code 34, Vol. 11, Laws of Osun 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His Counsel, Mr Taiwo Awokunle requested for his bail on the grounds that the alleged offence was bailable.
He also told the court that the accused was presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.
Awokunle further urged the court to grant his client bail on most liberal terms, assuring the court that the accused would not jump bail.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.
Aluko also said that the sureties should swear to affidavit of means and attach two clear passport photographs.
He added that the sureties should reside within the court's jurisdiction and adjourned the case to April 11, “for mention or report of settlement''.
In another development, one Lateef Imam, 44, appeared before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates' Court for defrauding a woman under the pretence of assisting her to get pregnant.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Taiwo Adegoke, alleged that the accused, sometimes in December 2011, at Okeola area in Osogbo, paraded himself as a spiritualist and obtained N250,000 from one Olorunsola Saheed.
Adegoke told the court that the accused deceived Saheed that he would use the money to prepare a special spiritual work for Saheed’s wife, named Murufat, to enable her get pregnant.
He further alleged that the accused stole the said amount, which was the property of the couple.
According to him, the offences contravened provisions of Section 418 and 383 of the Criminal Code 34, Vol. 11, Laws of Osun 2003 and was punishable under Section 419 and 390 (1) of the same law.
Imam pleaded not guilty to the two-count and his Counsel, Mr Lola Bello, applied for his bail.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Olalekan Ijiyode, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
Ijiyode said the address of the surety should be verified by the court official and adjourned the case to April 4, for further hearing. (NAN)