Juliana Francis
The Advocate and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), a non-governmental organisation known for fighting and getting justice for children and vulnerable people in Nigeria has given an update on the defilement of a 13-year-old girl in Lagos State.
The child is said to have been defiled and impregnated by 38-year-old Timothy Levi.
The incident which took place sometime in 2023, was reported and charged to court by an Assistant Superintendent of Police called Mercy of the Gender Unit Lagos State Police Headquarters.
ACVPN reports thus: “The defilement not only scared this child psychologically but physically because she got pregnant and carried the pregnancy to full term.
“The perpetrator was arraigned on the 26th of October 2023 but the case was adjourned to the 4th of December, 2023. ACVPN followed up with the victim’s mother, who informed ACVPN that her daughter gave birth on Sunday 4th February 2024.
“The case has however been adjourned from 4th December 2023 to 26th February 2024 at Court 2, Ogba invariably the sitting Magistrate is still waiting for the Directorate of Public Advice (DPP) Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
“According to the victim’s mother, it has been very difficult as the girl had a caesarean section and the perpetrator’s family members have been approaching and pressurising her for an out-of-court settlement.
“ACVPN stands with this family not only for them to get justice but to get the necessary support that victims need in the long run.
“Her mother has appealed for financial assistance for the girl as she needs support for her child and would want her to go back to school after nursing her baby. We call on @ Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty and Alleviation (WAPA) Alausa Secretariat, Lagos State Ministry of Justice MOJ (DPP).”
