An Akure Magistrate Court, in Ondo State, Nigeria, ordered the detention of Moses Udoh Thursday on multiple charges under Ondo State’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, marking a significant case in the state’s enforcement of child protection legislation.
Prosecutor Inspector Taiwo Oniyere presented charges before Magistrate Temilola Olusola-Olujobi citing violations of Sections 25(a) and 86(2) of the 2021 law. The defendant pleaded not guilty, but given the severity of the charges, the plea was not accepted pending review by the Director of Public Prosecution.
“The court orders the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility,” Magistrate Olusola-Olujobi stated, transferring the case to family court for further proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for December 10.
The arrest followed an investigation by Ondo State Police Command after reports emerged from the Igboniki Street area of Akure last week. Law enforcement officials emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing protective legislation passed in 2021.
The case highlights Ondo State’s increasing focus on child protection and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, which provides enhanced penalties for offenses against minors.
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