Tina Amanda
A Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt has refused bail application to one Wekwa Mgbechi, a 45-year-old man, accused of child defilement of two sisters aged 14 and 16 years.
Wekwa Mgbechi, security staff of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education is alleged to have forcefully had carnal knowledge of the two sisters in different locations, the 16-year-old was on 22nd December 2018 and May 2019 at Aluu Ikwerre local government area, while the 14-year-old was on 13th January 2021 at Rumuokwunde Emohua local government area.
The presiding Magistrate, Senior Magistrate Gomba Osaro, refused bail to the Defendant after the prosecuting Counsel Daniel Eteng brought a fresh amended charge sheet to substitute the existing charge, that would have granted the accused bail.
The Prosecution noted that the amended charge is for the interest of justice, based on the offence committed by the Defendant, which is punishable under section 31(3A), (3B) and section 32 of the Child Right Act Cap 50 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2003.
Counsel representing Defendant opposed the bail application with the reason that the fresh charge will vehemently keep the accused in detention.
Senior Magistrate Osaro, after listening to arguments of Counsels, further remanded the Defendant in Prison custody for the accused to seek his bail at the High Court, as the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The court thereby adjourned the case to 25th March, for the report of Director Public Prosecution.
