RismadarVoice Reporters
November 1, 2026
A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, has reportedly ordered the remand of a 39-year-old man, Anthony Bartholomew Okhumeode, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of sexually abusing his 13-year-old daughter.
The defendant was brought before Magistrate M. O. Tanimola on a three-count charge involving conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, defilement of a minor and alleged unlawful procurement of an abortion.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences occurred in May 2026 in the Isheri Oshun area of Lagos State.
Police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Lucky Ihehie, told the court that the defendant allegedly sexually abused his daughter, resulting in a pregnancy.
The prosecution further alleged that Okhumeode arranged for the termination of the pregnancy.
The allegations form part of the charges brought against the defendant and have not been established by a court.
The case was reportedly brought to the attention of authorities after a family member became concerned about changes in the child’s behaviour.
Child protection advocates subsequently intervened, and the matter was reported to the police before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.
The child is reportedly receiving medical attention and counselling through appropriate protection services.
Her identity and other identifying details have been withheld to protect her privacy.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Tanimola reportedly declined to take the defendant’s plea on the defilement allegation, which falls outside the trial jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Court.
The court subsequently ordered his remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
It also directed that the case file be forwarded to the DPP for review and further prosecutorial action.
Under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, defilement of a child is a felony punishable by life imprisonment upon conviction.
Section 145 separately addresses unlawful attempts to procure an abortion, with penalties depending on the circumstances of the offence.
The DPP’s legal advice is expected to determine the appropriate charges and whether the matter will proceed before the Lagos State High Court.
Meanwhile, the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The remand order does not constitute a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to further investigation and judicial determination.
