A couple has been remanded in Igando communityan by Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for the alleged sexual assault of their 18-year-old niece. James Uwanah, 31, and his wife Michelle Uwanah, 26, now face serious charges that could lead to severe penalties.
Magistrate E. Kubeinje ordered the couple’s remand in Kikiri Correctional Centre on Friday, setting the stage for their trial on June 25. The charges against them include conspiracy and sexual assault, reflecting the gravity of the allegations.
The prosecutor, Inspector John Iberedem, presented a harrowing account of the events. According to Iberedem, the offences occurred on May 5 and 6 at the couple’s residence on 42 Oje Olorunfemi Street. The young woman, who had been living with her uncle and aunt, reportedly suffered sexual assault at their hands, turning her place of supposed refuge into a site of horror.
The charges brought against James and Michelle Uwanah are severe. Under Sections 261, 263(1), and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, sexual assault can result in a three-year jail term, while sexual assault by penetration carries the potential of life imprisonment if convicted. These laws underscore the serious consequences of such reprehensible acts.
The community and the nation at large are watching closely as this case unfolds, with many expressing outrage and demanding justice for the young victim. Advocacy groups are calling for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure such crimes are met with the full force of the law.
As the Uwanahs await their trial, the public remains hopeful that justice will prevail, providing some measure of solace to the victim and her family. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against sexual violence and the need for vigilance and robust legal frameworks to safeguard the most vulnerable among us.
