Exxon Mobil Engineer's Rape Case Fixed For March 25

The Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere on Tuesday fixed March 25 for judgment on the rape charge brought against an engineer with Exxon Mobil, James Onuoha.

Onuoha is standing trial for allegedly raping his tenant’s 14-year-old niece.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye adjourned delivering of judgement in the case till March after the parties adopted their final written addresses.

The defendant, 42, was arraigned by the Lagos State Government.

He was first arraigned in January 2016 at the Magistrates’ Court on a four-count charge of defilement.

He was remanded in Kirikiri correctional centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Following his indictment by the DPP, the case was transferred to the high court for trial.

The state government accused Onuoha of committing the alleged offences on January 4, 2016, at 11:30 a.m., at 25, Samuel Amoore Street, Idowu Estate, Ike-Ira Nla, Ajah, Lagos.

The prosecution led by Dr. Jide Martins said the defendant willfully had an unlawful sexual act with the teenager without her consent.

He said the offences contravened Sections 134 (2), 135 (1), and is punishable under Sections 137 and 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and punishable under same.

Onuoha, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution opened its case and called witnesses including the victim.

After the prosecution closed its case, Onuoha opened his defence and was led in evidence by the defence counsel, Dr Victor Olowonla.

The defendant told the court how he visited his 25, Samuel Amoore Street, Idowu Estate, Ike-Ira Nla, residence on that fateful day.