A child rights advocacy group, Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), has voiced outrage over the ruling of Magistrate Court 2, Samuel Ilori Court, Ogba, Lagos, to approve bail for a man facing trial for the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
The group’s co-convener, Ebenezer Omejalile, said the suspect, Monsuru Karounwi, also called Bobo Karo, was released on bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, in spite of the gravity of the allegation of assault by penetration.
According to ACVPN, the development was troubling, given what it described as “damning evidence”, including statements taken from the victim at the Shogunle Police Station, Oshodi-Isolo, and the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, GRA, Ikeja.
The group added that a medical report from a Sexual Assault Referral Centre reportedly confirmed that the minor was sexually violated.
Omejalile questioned whether these materials were properly submitted before the court, pointing out that the case was filed under Section 137 of the Lagos State Criminal Law by the police Gender Unit.
The advocacy group also expressed worries over the actions of the defence, alleging that the suspect’s lawyer, believed to be his biological brother, approached ACVPN officials in court and tried to convince them to withdraw the case. The group said the request was rejected.
ACVPN further claimed that the defence revealed conducting an unauthorised “virginity test” on the minor, describing the move as secondary abuse and possible contempt of court, as it was allegedly carried out without a court order.
“The question is who authorised another medical examination on the minor without the approval of the court,” he said.
The group also faulted the absence of the victim’s parents during several court sessions, alleging that their behaviour amounted to obstruction of justice. ACVPN urged the state to consider classifying them as hostile witnesses.
“It is rare for bail to be granted in cases of defilement or assault by penetration,” Omejalile said.
