Remanded in a correctional center by a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the accused, Rayinat Bakare, who is 45 years old, faces charges of child stealing.
Address details for Bakare were not provided during the court proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. A. B. Olagbegi-Adelabu, without accepting Bakare’s plea, set the case for a later date of May 16 for legal guidance from the office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Lagos State Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Olawunmi Osibanjo, informed the court that Bakare allegedly committed the offense on March 14.
The incident, according to Osibanjo, took place at approximately 5:30 pm in the Allynson St. area of Ikorodu in Lagos.
As reported by the prosecutor, the defendant was seen holding the hand of the nine-year-old girl as they walked along the road, with the girl in tears.
Upon questioning by onlookers who were alarmed by the girl’s distress, it was revealed that the girl did not recognize Bakare as her mother.
Subsequently, the mother of the girl appeared and informed the crowd that she had never met Bakare before.
The prosecutor pointed out that the defendant’s actions contravene Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and carry a possible sentence of up to 14 years in prison upon conviction.