74-year-old cleric remanded over alleged defilement of granddaughter
Cleric Remanded in Sexual Offense Case Involving Granddaughter
A 74-year-old cleric, Joseph Adeniran, has been ordered to remain in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following his arraignment on charges of defilement involving his nine-year-old granddaughter.
Adeniran appeared before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ikeja, where the prosecution outlined the details of the case. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Adegoke Ademigbuji, the alleged incident took place on June 18, 2026, at Adeniran’s residence.
The prosecutor reported that the child suffered significant injury as a result of the alleged act, which involved Adeniran inserting his finger into her.
The matter came to public attention when a neighbor noticed bloodstains on the child’s clothing and raised alarms. Upon inquiry, the child reportedly revealed that her grandfather had assaulted her, prompting the neighbor to contact law enforcement. This led to Adeniran’s arrest.
The prosecutor indicated that the actions of Adeniran were in violation of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
During the court proceedings, Chief Magistrate C. M. Kushanu did not accept a plea from Adeniran. The magistrate remanded him to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until September 24, pending further legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
