A 25-year-old man, Ayodeji Awenebi, a former police officer, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over the alleged assault of a six-year-old girl.
The defendant, whose address was not disclosed, was brought before the court on a one-count charge.
The prosecutor, ASP Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the alleged offence occurred on November 30, 2025, at Ode Community, Isingbo in Ondo State, within the court’s jurisdiction.
Akintimehin alleged that the defendant unlawfully assaulted the minor.
According to the prosecution, the offence is contrary to Section 22 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the defendant, A.O. Odidiomo, requested an adjournment on health grounds and urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. He argued that despite the seriousness of the allegation, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and would neither abscond nor interfere with the investigation or witnesses.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo granted bail in the sum of ₦750,000 with one surety in like sum. The court stipulated that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and own landed property in Akure.
The case was adjourned to April 30 for further hearing.