Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday remanded the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Femi Olaleye, in Ikoyi prison custody for defiling his wife’s 16-year-old niece (name withheld).

Mr Oleleye is charged with a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr Olaleye’s arraignment penultimate Monday was stalled following his absence.

The state counsel, Oluwagbenga Alagbe, informed the court that they were ready for the arraignment when the case was called, but unfortunately, Mr Olaleye was not in court.

Mr Alagbe told the court that the prosecution had done the needful in a November 18 letter sent to the suspect, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), to notify all parties of Monday’s proceedings.

He subsequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant against him.

In his response, the defence counsel, Babatunde Ogala, apologised for his client’s absence, noting that he was out of town when the letter was sent to him.

He argued that the suspect was not served, but they were ready to receive the process on his behalf.

 (NAN)