A 70 year old man including three accomplices whose ages are 65, 53 and 55 respectively have been reminded in prison custody by an Ilorin Magistrate Court for raping teenage female hawkers in Omu Aran, Kwara State. The septuagenarian, Balogun Samuel of Oro Ago Roa, Omu Aran, Abolarin John, 65, of Ilaro Arae, Abdullahi Suleiman 53, of Oro Ag Road, and Moss Lawal of Odo Opin Compound all of Omu Aran were ordered remanded in Okekura Federal Prison for alleged rape.

They were alleged to have defiled four teenage girls hawking in the town, a trade they were allegedly engaged in until one woman, Jaiyeola Janet of Concord Area reported them to the Area Commander’s office of the Police Force, Omu Aran.

According to the complaints, the men simply took advantage of the teenagers (names withheld) because they were local hawkers.

They were subsequently charged to court on a one count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with people. Their offence was said to be contrary to 31 (2) of Kwara State Child Rights Law, cap R6, 2007

They were ordered to be remanded in prison by the Ilorin Magistrate court because the police said that investigations were continuing on the matter at the state Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Mathew Ologbonsaye, told the court that the police are still conducting investigations and urged the court to remand the accused in prison, until it is concluded. He pleaded that they might jump bail if granted because of the gravity of the offence.

Their lawyer, Adewale Olatunde had earlier prayed for their bail which Magistrate, Mrs. S.O Sambo refused, saying they were arraigned under the state law that does not permit bail given the capital nature of the offence. The case had been adjourned to May 24, for further hearing.