An 8-year-old girl, who was allegedly defiled by one Lekan Tunji Oyedele in Abeokuta, is dead.
The victim gave up the ghost on the while the suspect was still standing trial at a court in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State.
Oyedele is arraigned before a family court sitting at Isabo, on a one-count charge last year.
It was reported that the defendant had carnal knowledge of the minor, furthering inserting a blackish substance into her private part with his finger on June 27, 2022 at Lagbua, Kemta Housing Estate, Idi-aba.
At the beginning of the trial, the suspected was granted bail after pleading not guilty to the charge levelled against him.
This platform learnt that the Prosecuting counsel, M. J. Oyefesobi, had closed his case after calling witnesses and presenting some evidence in support of the case.
The news of the victim’s death prevented the defendant from opening his opening defence on Thursday.
The defence Counsel, T. A. Akinsola, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the hearing to a later date.
Magistrate Mrs E.O Idowu, therefore, adjourned the matter till August 3 for opening of defence.
The Complainant, Barrister Adedamola Lapite, informed journalists that the girl died while preparing for school on Monday.
“She dressed up for school and she was told to go and pick up her water bottle. She just dropped dead,” he said.
However, he noted that the victim’s demise would not affect the ongoing trial.
