A 60-year-old bricklayer, Sunday Ekey, on Monday appeared before an Akure Senior Magistrates’ Court on a one count charge of indecent assault.
The accused was docked before Senior Magistrate
Charity Adeyanju for the offence he allegedly committed on June 10, according to the charge sheet number MAK/410C/2012.
He was accused of indecently and unlawfully assaulting an eight-year-old female primary school pupil by inserting his finger into her private part.
The police alleged the offence was committed at No 6, Odudu Street, Akure, in the Akure Magisterial District at about 1.30 p.m.
According to police prosecutor, ASP Ayodele Atandeyi, the offence is contrary to and punishable under section 222 of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Vol. I Laws of Ondo State 2006.
The accused, of No. 6, Iromedi Street, Oke Aro, Akure, pleaded not guilty, when the charge was read to him in pidgin English, just as he elected summary trial at the court.
Atandeyi informed the court that he had three witnesses to testify against the accused person.
He urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses and study the case file.
The Counsel to the accused person, Mr Azeez Agbaje, did not object to the adjournment sought by the prosecutor, but prayed the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.
Adeyanju granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum who must be resident in the jurisdiction of the court.
The Senior Magistrate later adjourned the case to June 25, for hearing.