Justice O.A. Ogala (Mrs) of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja judicial division has struck out a charge of defilement filed against a 74 year old man, Mr. Bayefa Bethany. A one count charge of defilement was filed against Mr. Bethany for the defilement of a minor (11) years, sometimes in 2023 at 21b, Isah Abiodun Street, off Ogbonwakwo Ajegunle, Apapa Lagos by having sexual intercourse with her which is punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Code, CH. C17 Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
During the hearing of the matter, the defence counsel, Mr. Ben Awurum Esq. made an application for the charge to be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, The Court agreed with the Application of Mr. Awurum and struck out the matter accordingly, the Judge further ordered that the defendant- Mr. Bethany be released forthwith.
