How family friend allegedly raped 12-year-old physically challenged in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A 50-year-old father of three, Richard Azuka, has been accused of raping a 12-year-old physically challenged girl at the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
The victim was said to be a friend of the accused daughter and that both families attend the same church.
The act reportedly occurred on August 23, 2023, at No 5 Olanrewaju Anifowose Close, Off Igbogbo Baiyeku, Ikorodu Lagos.
Our correspondent learnt that the suspect allegedly made sexual advances towards the teenager whenever he sighted her until that fateful day when he realised that she was alone in the house.
It was gathered that the suspect visited the victim’s house when he knew nobody was around.
He reportedly threatened her with a knife and forced himself in her and raped her twice
After the act he allegedly warned her not to tell anyone, or he would kill her.
A source within the residence said he was exposed when the victim’s parents returned and rvat while her mother was giving her a bath, the girl was in pain and bad bruises in her private part.
In enquiry, the girl told her mother what ‘Brother Richard’ did to her when no one was around.
The matter was reported at the Igbogbo Police Division and the suspect was arrested.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted committing the act, but attributed his action to the handiwork devil.
Consequently the suspect was charged before the Ikorodu High Court 1 for the alleged offence, which attracts several years of imprisonment
The court refer the matter to the DPP for legal advice why waiting for the advice November court sitting the suspect was granted bail without the knowledge of the victim family only for them to see the suspect in church on first Sunday in December with friends and family for Thanksgiving that God had verdict him.
According to the source, the suspect alleged that with money everything is possible that there’s nothing the victim family can do again as far as he has granted bail.
Rape is a harmful and monstrous act, which has become prevalent across the nation something urgent need to be done.
