An 8-year-old girl, who was reportedly defiled by one Lekan Tunji Oyedele in Abeokuta, has died.
The victim died on Monday at a time the trial of the suspect is still ongoing in the capital of Ogun State.
Oyedele was dragged before a family court sitting at Isabo, on a one-count charge last year.
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According to the charge sheet, the defendant had defiled the minor on June 27, 2022 at Lagbua, Kemta Housing Estate, Idi-aba.
The defendant was reported to have defiled the victim, after which he also inserted a blackish substance into her private part with his finger.
The offence is punishable under Section 33 of the Child Rights Law of Ogun State, 2006, the charge reads.
The suspect had at the commencement of trial pleaded not guilty to the allegation against him, and he was granted bail by the Magistrate court.
DAILY POST gathered that the Prosecuting counsel, M. J. Oyefesobi, had closed his case after calling witnesses and presenting some evidence in support of the case.
As the defendant was about to open his open defence on Thursday, the Court was informed that the defiled girl had passed on.
As a result, the Defence Counsel, T. A. Akinsola, prayed the court to adjourn the case, an application that was not opposed by the Prosecuting counsel.
Magistrate Mrs E.O Idowu, therefore, adjourned the matter till August 3 for opening of defence.
The Complainant, Barrister Adedamola Lapite, told newsmen that the girl died while preparing for school on Monday.
“She dressed up for school and she was told to go and pick up her water bottle. She just dropped dead,” he said.
However, he said the victim’s death would not stop the ongoing trial.
