74-Year-Old Cleric Remanded Over Alleged Defilement of 9-Year-Old Granddaughter

A 74-year-old cleric, Joseph Adeniran, has been remanded in custody over the alleged defilement of his nine-year-old granddaughter.

Adeniran was arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on a charge of defilement following allegations that he sexually abused the child at his residence on June 18, 2026.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the alleged incident resulted in the girl bleeding heavily after Adeniran allegedly inserted a finger into her.

According to the prosecution, the matter came to light when a neighbour noticed bloodstains on the child’s clothes and became suspicious.

The neighbour reportedly questioned the girl about the stains, during which she allegedly disclosed that her grandfather had fingered her, causing the bleeding.

Ademigbuji said the incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the cleric.

The prosecutor told the court that the alleged offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The defendant’s plea was, however, not taken by the court.

Chief Magistrate C. M. Kushanu subsequently ordered that Adeniran be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case was adjourned until September 24, when the matter is expected to come up again.