A 27-year-old man, Ebong Ime, who allegedly attempted to rape a 54-year-old woman in her apartment, was on Tuesday docked at a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Mr Ime whose address was not given, is standing trial over a three-count charge of attempted rape, damage to property and sexual assault.

The Police Prosecutor, Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that Mr Ime committed the offences on October 11, at 2:40 a.m. at Block 5, Flat 18, Games Village, Surulere, Lagos.

Mr Ekhueorohan alleged that the accused broke into the victims apartment through the window, with the intention of forcefully having sexual intercourse with her.

He submitted that neighbours who heard noises coming from the 54-year-old woman’s apartment, rescued her from Ime and handed him over to the police.

Mr Ekhueorohan said that the alleged offences were punishable under sections 262, 263 (1) (2) and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, M. I Dan-Oni, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Mrs Dan-Oni said that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the defendant and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She then adjourned the matter until November 23, for further mention.

(NAN)