Security Guard Detained In Defilement Case Released After Four-Year Incarceration

A security guard Tony Nkocha who was detained for four years over the allegation of defiling a nine-year-old girl has been released following the failure of witnesses to substantiate the case against him in court.

He was discharged, following a ruling from the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court. The court attributed his release to the prosecution’s failure to diligently pursue the case, highlighting a persistent absence of witnesses across numerous court sessions.

Allegations of defilement involving a nine-year-old girl formed the crux of the case against Nkocha, who vehemently contested the charges since his detention commenced in 2020. Despite facing a one-count charge of defilement brought by the Lagos State Government, the prosecution struggled to substantiate its case due to the repeated non-appearance of witnesses.

Presiding over the matter, Justice Abiola Soladoye emphasized the absence of moral justification for prolonging Nkocha’s detention in the absence of adequate prosecution. She underscored the principle that justice serves not only the defendant and the victim but also the broader public interest.

In a ruling that underscored the importance of upholding due process and procedural fairness, Justice Soladoye struck out the case while leaving room for the prosecution to re-arrest Nkocha if they could present their case effectively in the future.

Throughout the proceedings, Nkocha’s defense counsel, Mrs. Scholastica Nwogu, staunchly advocated for the dismissal of the case. She pointed to the prosecution’s consistent lack of diligence, emphasizing the glaring shortcomings in their case evidenced by the repeated absence of witnesses over thirteen court appearances.

Nkocha’s discharge marks the end of a protracted legal ordeal characterized by challenges and setbacks. While it brings relief to Nkocha after years of uncertainty and anguish, it also prompts broader reflections on the need to uphold procedural fairness and safeguard individuals’ rights within the judicial system.

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