Rita Odafe
On Wednesday, September 18, a Makurdi State Magistrate Court placed a 40-year-old man, Adera Sunday, in detention following allegations of raping his 16-year-old stepdaughter.
Residing in Welfare Quarters, Makurdi, Sunday is accused of engaging in sexual activity with his stepdaughter without her consent.
According to Inspector James Ewache, the police prosecutor, the girl reported the incident to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Markudi on August 30.
She revealed to the authorities that since the age of 13, her stepfather had been exploiting her sexually.
“He deceived her into taking harmful substances, and while she was under the influence, he would then abuse her,” the prosecutor stated.
Ewache indicated that the investigation is ongoing and requested the court to set another date for updates.
He noted that this action violates Sections 284 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue State, 2004.
Due to lack of jurisdiction, Magistrate Sonia Ayange did not allow the defendant to enter a plea.
She subsequently directed that the accused be held at the Makurdi Correctional Centre while further inquiries are conducted.
The case has been postponed to October 11 for subsequent proceedings.
