A Lagos resident, Idowu Fashola, has been discharged and acquitted by a court after spending seven years in custody over an allegation of child molestation.
Fashola, an elderly man, recounted that the girl at the centre of the allegation had lived with his family from the age of three after his wife brought her home to be cared for and trained. According to him, the child remained with the family for several years and was later enrolled in secondary school before returning to live with her parents.
He said trouble began when the girl’s family later arrived at his home with police officers and accused him of raping the child. The allegation led to his arrest, prosecution and prolonged detention while the case dragged on in court.
Fashola explained that after years of trial, the court eventually ruled that there was no case against him. He was subsequently found not guilty and discharged.
The case highlights concerns about prolonged pre-trial detention and the impact of lengthy judicial processes on individuals accused of serious offences.
Punch
