IKEJA, LAGOS – In a significant ruling, a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of a Nigerian Railways Corporation worker, Festus Nwaegela, for the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala gave the order on Wednesday after the defendant was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on serious charges of defilement and sexual assault.
The Charges Against Festus Nwaegela
During the arraignment, the state prosecutor, Mr. Olugbenga Azeez, informed the court that Festus Nwaegela committed the offences on December 18, 2023.
The defendant faced a two-count charge:
- Count One: Unlawfully having sexual intercourse with a seven-year-old girl, an offence contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
- Count Two: Sexually assaulting the minor by penetrating her anus, an offence contrary to Section 261 of the same law.
Not Guilty Plea and Court Proceedings
When the charges were read to him, Festus Nwaegela pleaded not guilty to both counts.
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Azeez, requested the court to set a date for trial and issue summons for witnesses.
Remand Order and Adjournment
Presiding Judge, Justice Oyindamola Ogala, did not grant bail. Instead, she ordered that Festus Nwaegela be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the commencement of his trial.
The case has been adjourned to November 19, 2025, for a full hearing.
This case highlights the continued efforts of the Lagos State judiciary to prosecute severe crimes, particularly those committed against vulnerable children.