A Magistrates’ Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of Joel Monday, a private security guard, at a correctional facility for allegedly impregnating and maltreating a 16-year-old girl.
Monday was arraigned on charges bordering on unlawful sexual intercourse, physical abuse, and intimidation, punishable under Section 31(2) of the Child Rights Law of Ondo State.
According to the prosecution, the victim, a minor, alleged that Monday offered her accommodation and promised to assist her in securing better employment. However, he reportedly subjected her to sexual abuse, providing her with pregnancy prevention medication after each encounter.
The teenager claimed she became pregnant in August and was subsequently subjected to physical and verbal abuse by Monday, who allegedly impersonated a police officer to intimidate her.
The defense counsel acknowledged the defendant’s paternity of the child and appealed for consideration of the welfare of the minor and the baby, given Monday’s monthly income of N150,000.
However, the complainant’s counsel argued that punishment was necessary to serve as a deterrent.
Magistrate Grace Alphonso ruled that the minor and her baby be temporarily placed in the custody of Emmanuel World Children’s Foundation pending further proceedings.
The case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice, and the matter has been adjourned until July 31, 2025, for further hearing.
