Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Special Offences Court has granted a man, Godwin Uzodinma bail in the sum of N80million bail over alleged sexual assault.
Uzodinma was arraigned by the state government before the court on a two-count charge bothering onsexual assault by penetration and defilement of a minor(names withheld).
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defence counsel informed the court that he filed a seven paragraphs bail application dated September 17, 2024 with three exhibits on the state of health of the defendant.
He prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms especially in view of his health condition.
The prosecuting counsel, Bukola Okewo opposed the defence’s application with a 13-paragraph affidavit dated November 11, 2024.
She told the court that the defendant has an international passport which makes him a flight risk.
She prayed the court that if the defendant must be granted bail, he must summit his passport.
Justice Rahman in his ruling said: “The charges against the defendant is a severe one as it is sexual assault by penetration and defilement.
“ I accept the affidavit and oral address by both parties and I have considered the defense reasons on his absence in court on September 13, 2024.
“ I therefore grant him bail in the sum of N80 million bail with two responsible sureties whose business and residence addresses must be verified by the court registrar.”
He also ordered that the international passport of the defendant must be summited to the court registrar.
Justice Rahman adjourned the matter to February 19 and 20, 2025 for trial.
According to the charge, “Godwin Uzodinma sometime between 2017 and 2019 at No. 1b Shogunle Street, Ikeja, Lagos state sexually assaulted one minor (name withheld) aged 11 years by inserting his penis through her anus.”
The defendant was also said to have sometime between 2017 and 2019 at No. 1b Shogunle Street, Ikeja, Lagos state defiled one girl(names withheld) aged 11years by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”