Akure, May 16, 2025 — A Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a private security guard, Joel Monday, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre for allegedly sexually assaulting and impregnating a 16-year-old girl.
The defendant faces charges of unlawful sexual intercourse, physical abuse, and intimidation—offences that violate Section 31(2) of the Ondo State Child Rights Law, which prescribes life imprisonment for offenders found guilty of sexually violating minors.
The teenage victim, whose identity is being protected, told the court that she had travelled from Cross River State to Akure in search of work to support her ailing mother and younger siblings. She initially secured employment as a domestic worker with a promised salary of ₦180,000, but was paid only ₦50,000 at the end of her service.
Left without options, she met the defendant while seeking new employment. According to her testimony, he offered her accommodation and promised to help her find work but instead began making sexual advances. She alleged that when she resisted, he began forcing himself on her and subsequently gave her pregnancy prevention pills after each encounter.
He also allegedly posed as a police officer and used threats to keep her silent.
“I didn’t have anywhere to go, and he promised to help me,” she said. “But then he started forcing himself on me and threatened me when I tried to resist.” The girl said she became pregnant in August 2024. Upon learning of the pregnancy, the defendant allegedly became aggressive, verbally abusing her and accusing her of destroying his plans to marry someone else.
It was at this point that she confided in a neighbour, who directed her to Emmanuel World Children’s Foundation. The NGO provided her with care and shelter until she gave birth on April 30, 2025. In court, the defendant’s lawyer, A. I. Musa, did not dispute the paternity of the child and appealed for leniency, citing his client’s willingness to support the child and mother on his ₦150,000 monthly salary. “This court must also consider the welfare of the baby and the mother,” he said.
Read more:
Ondo govt, FG commission eye care centre in Idanre
I was raped five times Iyabo Ojo
4 arrested for rape of minors in Osun
The prosecution opposed the plea, stressing the need for justice and deterrence. “This is not a case of mutual consent but of exploitation,” the prosecutor argued. “The victim came to Akure to work and was taken advantage of. Failing to act decisively could send the wrong message.”
Magistrate Grace Alphonso ruled that the teenage girl and her baby be placed in temporary custody at Emmanuel World Children’s Foundation. She directed that the case file be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further review and adjourned the matter to July 31, 2025.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect was arrested earlier this month following a report by the NGO. Investigations are ongoing.
