Man, 23, in court for raping a minor

A 23-year-old man, Salisu Mohammed, of Nasarawa Gwong, Plateau State, on Thursday, appeared before an Upper Area Court at Kasuwar-Nama, Jos, for raping a 6-year-old girl.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Gokwat Ibrahim, said the father of the victim (names withheld) reported the matter to the Nasarawa Gwong police station on Dec. 24, 2012, same day the offence was committed.

He said that the accused was facing a one-count charge of rape.

He added that the accused, who resides in the same compound with the girl, had invited her to his room where he raped her. “The cry of the minor attracted neighbours who forced the door open and caught the accused committing the act.’’

The prosecutor said the police had concluded their investigation and were only waiting for the medical report from the hospital. He urged the court to suspend judgement on the matter pending the report from the hospital where the girl had been taken to for treatment

“We want to tender the report before the court as an exhibit, ” he added.

The accused person pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for leniency, saying that he was a first time offender. The trial Judge, Malam Mustapha Hassan, adjourned the case to February 22 for judgement and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison.