A 28-year-old student, Japhet Fahonum on Thursday, January 28, 2016 appeared before a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, charged with raping a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl.
Fahonum, who resides at Benseer Street, Owner Occupier, Makurdi, is facing a one-count charge of rape.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Terzungwe Kajo told the court that a brother of the victim reported the case at the E Division Police Station, Makurdi on Friday, January 1, 2016.
Kajo said that the complainant alleged that the accused lured his sister, who is mentally challenged, out on the night of the fateful day and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
The prosecutor said that luck, however, ran out on the accused as a passer-by, who saw him defiling the young girl, ran to report the incident to the family of the victim.
Kajo said that the matter was subsequently reported to the police, adding that the accused was later arrested after investigation.
The prosecutor said that the offence committed contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004.
However, when the case came up for mention, the court did not take the plea of the accused because it lacked jurisdiction.
The Magistrate, Mrs Lillian Tsumba, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till Thursday, March 3, 2016 for further mention.
