A 23-year-old man, Agene Gabriel, has been arraigned before the Nsukka Magistrate Court on charges related to the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Enugu State.
According to the prosecution, Gabriel allegedly traveled from Lagos to Nkpologu in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, where the incident reportedly occurred.
During the court session, Chief Magistrate Samuel Audu moved the proceedings to his chambers to ensure the minor’s identity and privacy were protected.
The court adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for a ruling on Gabriel’s bail application.
The defendant faces four counts, including abduction, rape, and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.
The charges, as outlined in court, allege that between January 7 and March 7, 2025, Gabriel unlawfully took the girl from her parents’ custody, detained her in his apartment, and engaged in indecent acts, including inappropriate touching.
These offenses are said to contravene various sections of the Criminal Code of Enugu State.
Gabriel pleaded not guilty to all the charges. His defense counsel, Nenanya Kenneth, applied for bail, but the court reserved its decision for the next hearing.
Speaking after the proceedings, the victim’s uncle, Mr. Francis Akaugwu, commended the court’s decision to handle the case with discretion, emphasizing the need to safeguard the child’s well-being.
The matter remains pending, with further developments expected at the next hearing.
