BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Some residents of Otan-Ayegbaju, headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State have accused 35-year-old Kasali Agbeleye of defiling his lover’s three-year-old daughter.
Agbeleye, a menial worker, was allegedly caught in an erotic sexual act with the toddler on September 25, 2021, inside the Centenary Hall Centre, Otan-Ayegbaju.
The aggrieved residents reportedly pounced on the suspect and beat him to stupor before dragging him to the Otan-Ayegbaju police station for investigation.
However, Kasali denied the allegation, explaining that he was trying to assist the little girl who approached him for water at the time.
He claimed that Folashade, the victim’s mother, framed him up because he failed to give her N1, 000 which she requested from him.
Kasali said, “I was attending the centenary celebration of Otan-Ayegbaju when the girl came to me and said that I should give her bottled water. I went to those in charge of the drinks and got her water. While I was giving her water, some people came and started beating and accusing me of defiling the girl.
“I am sure this is the handiwork of Folasade (victim’s mother), because she had threatened to punish me because I couldn’t give her the N1, 000 that she asked for. I have been taking care of her; we have been dating for some time and I explained to her that I was broke but she wouldn’t believe me.”
The police arraigned Kasali before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo for rape and indecent assault of a minor.
According to the police prosecutor, John Idoko, the defendant committed the offence on September 25, 2021 at about 3:30pm at the Centenary Hall Centre, Otan-Ayegbaju.
Idoko told the court that Kasali indecently assaulted the three-year-old girl and consequently had sexual intercourse with her.
The offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 31(1)(2) of the Child’s Rights Laws of Osun State, 2007 and Section 360 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
The defendant who appeared in court without any legal representative, pleaded not guilty to the two counts leveled against him.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, A. A. Adebayo, ordered that Kasali’s case be transferred to Iragbiji Magistrate’s Court and that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned till November 10 for mention.
