A man remanded by court in Ikorodu for allegedly raping his stepdaughters, with the Lagos judiciary ordering legal review before trial resumes in September

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] disturbing case has emerged in Lagos as a man remanded by court faces serious accusations of raping his two stepdaughters.

Also read: Man rapes minor for three months, bags 20-year jail term

The Ikorodu Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered the detention of 55-year-old Abu Aremu at a correctional centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The alleged offences were said to have taken place over a prolonged period. Mr Aremu is facing a three-count charge bordering on defilement and rape under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

His plea was not taken by the presiding magistrate, B.A. Sonuga, who ordered the matter to be referred to the DPP for evaluation.

The court also fixed 25 September 2025 for the next hearing. Meanwhile, the accused remains in custody at a Lagos correctional facility.

According to the prosecution, the alleged abuse began in 2022 while the stepdaughters were still minors—aged 9 and 11.

Isaac Aminu, prosecuting counsel, told the court that Mr Aremu sexually assaulted the girls repeatedly, even when their mother was alive and living with him.

Tragically, the abuse reportedly continued after the death of the children’s mother.

The prosecutor claimed that Mr Aremu raped the elder girl again on 20 June 2025, when she was already 24 years old.

The charges against Mr Aremu are being brought under Sections 137 and 260 of the Lagos criminal code, both dealing with sexual crimes against minors and rape.

Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the accused could face a lengthy prison term, potentially life imprisonment.

The man remanded by court is not the first to face such charges in the Ikorodu area.

Child rights groups and gender-based violence advocates have repeatedly called for expedited handling of such cases, saying survivors are often left waiting for justice that never comes.

This is a heartbreaking case. The trauma those girls must have gone through is unimaginable.

“This is a heartbreaking case. The trauma those girls must have gone through is unimaginable. We hope the judiciary moves swiftly,” said a representative of a local NGO who asked not to be named.

The case has stirred public attention and concern. Social media platforms are already flooded with calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForIkoroduGirls gaining traction online.

Citizens are demanding a more transparent and fast-tracked judicial process to ensure accountability.

A law lecturer at the University of Lagos, who specialises in criminal justice, commented, “This is a textbook example of how predators often operate under the protection of family ties. It’s encouraging that the court has taken swift action by ordering remand and DPP review.”

Critics argue that the justice system, though legally sound, often drags its feet in sexual offence cases due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. Survivors face the dual burden of legal delay and social stigma.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse.

It has pledged to strengthen civil society collaboration and improve support services for victims of rape and child molestation.

In this ongoing case, attention will now turn to the DPP’s office. If the advice confirms sufficient evidence, formal charges will be filed at a higher court, and the trial process will commence.

As the country grapples with increasing cases of sexual violence, many believe the man remanded by court in this matter must be held fully accountable if found guilty, to serve as a strong warning to other offenders.