37-year-old caterer remanded for alleged abduction, rape

A 37-year-old caterer, Shuaib Gbenga, has been remanded in custody by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, Nigeria.

He is facing charges of abduction, rape, and sexual assault. Gbenga, whose address was not provided, is accused of conspiring with another individual, Essien Umana, to commit the crimes against Aishat Olutesiwaju.

According to the prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, Gbenga and Umana allegedly abducted Aishat between August 14 and 15 at M32 Hostel and MK4 Dinning Hall in the Lekki area of Lagos.

On August 4, they reportedly harassed Aishat by touching her shoulder and fondling her breast without her consent.

They then attempted to suffocate her by covering her mouth, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Ikhayere further stated that Gbenga forcibly stripped Aishat naked, took pictures and videos of her, and ripped her underwear worth N1,500.

He also allegedly strangled her and forced her to drink water from a gutter.

The charges against Gbenga are in violation of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. However, his plea was not taken during the court hearing.

Magistrate Lateef Owolabi, after considering the charges, deemed them overwhelming and denied Gbenga’s bail plea.

He ordered the defendant to be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Prison for 30 days, pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Owolabi also instructed the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) to promptly arrest the second defendant, Essien Umana.

During the hearing, the magistrate asked Gbenga if he committed the crimes he was being charged with.

Gbenga denied raping Aishat, claiming that he only watched and participated in some of the offenses.

The case has been adjourned until September 28.