Ushahemba Akaazua, a 22-year-old farmer accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha LGA, Benue, was remanded in custody by a Makurdi Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The defendant was ordered to be held at the Makurdi Correctional Center pending legal counsel from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions by Magistrate Erdoo Ter, who rejected the defendant's allegation of lack of jurisdiction to hear the matter.
According to Police Prosecutor Insp. James Ewache, the case was reported on October 25 by one Ajai Kavnen of Tse- Agberagba, Konshisha LGA, Benue.
“The complainant stated that his niece aged 16 went to a neighbour’s house to collect pressing iron but did not meet them at home.
“On her way home, the defendant allegedly lured her to follow him to his house with the promise of giving her the pressing iron.
“On reaching his house he forcefully dragged her into his house, tore her nightwear and had sexual intercourse with her against her will,’’ the prosecutor said.
He said that the police later arrested the defendant following its investigation and confessed to committing the crime.
Ewache said that investigation into the matter was still ongoing and asked the court for another date for mention.
He said that the offence contravened section 284 of the penal code of Benue state, 2004.
Ter then adjourned the case until December. 21, 2022 for further mention.