Outrage has followed the decision of the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court in Ogba to grant bail to Monsuru Karounwi, popularly known as “Bobo Karo,” who is facing charges of assault by penetration against a minor.
The defendant was granted bail for ₦500,000 with two sureties. The decision has sparked a sharp rebuke from the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), which described the granting of bail in a defilement case as “shocking” and “rare.”
The case took a contentious turn when the defendant’s lawyer, who is also his biological brother, reportedly approached ACVPN representatives in the presence of the State Prosecutor.
According to ACVPN, the lawyer attempted to “patronise” the advocates to step down the matter, a request that was flatly declined.
Furthermore, the defence claimed to have conducted an unauthorised “virginity test” on the minor, alleging she remains “intact.” ACVPN has condemned this move as a “secondary abuse” of a traumatised child and a potential contempt of court.
“The question now is: who authorised another medical examination on the minor without a court order?” a representative for ACVPN stated. “This is tantamount to secondary abuse and shows a blatant disregard for the legal process.”
The advocacy group expressed deep concern over the handling of the case file.
Despite medical reports from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) confirming that the minor suffered sexual abuse, and a charge filed under Section 137 of the Lagos State Penal Code, ACVPN questioned why the evidence did not lead to a remand.
The group also called for the arrest of the victim’s parents, labelling them “hostile witnesses.”
The parents have reportedly failed to appear in court for multiple adjourned dates, choosing instead to remain with “community gatekeepers.”
ACVPN is urging the State to issue a warrant of arrest for the parents to serve as a deterrent against the obstruction of justice.
The case against Monsuru Karounwi has been adjourned to February 24, 2026. ACVPN has vowed to monitor the proceedings closely, invoking the precedent of the “Baba Ijesha” case to ensure that “the right thing is done.”
