An Ikeja High Court, on Tuesday, remanded a Nigerian railway worker, Festus Nwaegela, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala remanded Mr Nwaegela after he was arraigned on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault brought against him by the state government.

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

Following his not guilty plea, the state counsel, Olugaza Azeez, prayed the court for a trial date and issuance of a witness summons.

Ms Ogala, thereafter, remanded the defendant at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the commencement of trial and adjourned the case until November 19 for hearing.

Earlier, Mr Azeez had told the court that the defendant had unlawfully had sexual intercourse with a seven-year-old girl on December 18, 2023, in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The prosecutor had submitted that the defendant sexually assaulted the same minor by penetrating her anus.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

(NAN)