A 45-year-old businessman, Abubarkar Mohammed Dandatijo, has been ordered to be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The order followed his arraignment before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Tinubu, Lagos Island, for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred at 54 Baale Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, drawing strong reactions from members of the local community.
According to police findings, Dandatijo was accused of luring the minor into his residence, where he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
After the incident, he was said to have given the child N50 and warned her not to reveal what had happened.
The matter came to light when the girl’s mother observed behavioural changes in her daughter.
Upon further inquiry, she reportedly found physical evidence of abuse, including traces of blood and semen.
The child later identified the suspect, known locally as “Alhaji,” as the person responsible.
The revelation prompted neighbours to confront Dandatijo, during which he allegedly admitted to the offence and sought forgiveness.
Concerned about the possibility of the case being suppressed, residents reported the matter to the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade.
The AIG directed a detailed investigation, which led to Dandatijo’s arrest by a team led by ASP Jeremiah Kamto.
The suspect was subsequently charged with defilement and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, offences contrary to Sections 137 and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecuting officer, ASP Ibrahim Haruna, stated that the alleged act was committed without the victim’s consent and that the suspect attempted to suppress disclosure through a monetary inducement.
Magistrate N.A.S. Wahab adjourned the case to July 25, 2025, for mention, pending legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
