By Aniema Umoh

Lagos—A 45-year-old man, Eche Ezeani, who allegedly raped his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, was, yesterday, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

Ezeani, who resides at St. Michael Street, off Comfort Oboh Street, Kirikiri Town, Lagos, was also alleged to have fingered the girl’s private part and in the process injured her.

The defendant is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on fingering and raping.

The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the incident occurred on November 4 at the said address.

He further stated that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace.

Eshiet said the offence committed is punishable under Section 136 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Magistrate W. B. Balogun granted him N500,000 bail with two sureties.

He said one of the sureties must be a blood relation, gainfully employed and show evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State.

The case was adjourned to December 7 for mention.