Two men face court for allegedly gang-raping 13-year-old girl with stolen chicken

The police have brought two men before a senior magistrate’s court in Minna. They are accused of gang-raping a 13-year-old girl.

The accused are Awal Bala, 40, and Danjuma Ibrahim, 43, who is also called DJ. They face two charges: receiving stolen property and unlawful sexual intercourse with a child.

The police claim that the two men lured the girl to their home using a stolen chicken. They allegedly raped her multiple times once she was inside.

Prosecuting lawyer Zubairu Wuna explained to the court that the police found out the men used the stolen chicken to get the girl into their house. This is where the alleged sexual assault happened.

According to the prosecution, the crimes fall under Section 316 of the Niger State Penal Code Law 2025 and Section 26(2) of the Niger State Child Rights and Protection Law 2021, as amended.

When the charges were read to them, both Awal and Danjuma pleaded not guilty before Senior Magistrate Ummi Imam.

Their lawyer, Jerry Ekeh, then asked for bail. He argued that his clients are innocent until proven guilty by the court.

The prosecution opposed the bail request. They said one of the charges is very serious.

Magistrate Mrs Imam ruled against the bail application. She said that it is up to the court to decide on bail.

"Given the serious nature of one of the charges against the defendants, the bail application is denied," the magistrate said.

The court ordered that the two men be held in correctional custody. The case is set to continue on 19 August for a definite hearing.