An Oyo State Magistrate Court in Ibadan has remanded Maruf Abdullahi, popularly known as Trinity Guy, an Ibadan-based skit maker, in Agodi correctional facility. He faces charges of offensive skit involving the sexual exploitation of a 10-year-old girl.
The court also arraigned Isiaka Ahmed, 40, and his wife, Rofiat, 29, the parents of the victim, on charges of conspiracy, sexual abuse, and exploitation, alongside Trinity Guy.
Magistrate Mrs. P.O. Adetuyibi, citing jurisdictional limitations, did not allow the defendants to enter a plea. The case has been filed and duplicated by the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.
Adetuyibi ordered the remand of the three defendants in Agodi correctional facility until July 11, when the case will be mentioned.
The defense counsel, Mr. Oludare Adebayo, argued that Section 41 empowered the court to hear the matter, and he highlighted the victim’s background of poverty.
The Magistrate noted that the case file had been duplicated and expressed her willingness to hear the matter unless the Ministry of Justice decided to withdraw it.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Oluwakemi Arowosaye, informed the court that the three defendants conspired to sexually exploit the girl.
Arowosaye stated that Trinity Guy had sexually abused and exploited the girl in the Kuola area of Ibadan on December 17, 2022. The incident was recorded and posted on social media, where he asked the victim about the color of his pants.
The offenses committed by the defendants contravene Section 35 (1) and are punishable under Section 35 (2) of the Oyo State Child Right’s Law, 2006. Additionally, they contravene Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
If found guilty, the skit maker could face up to 15 years of imprisonment under the Child Right’s Law, 2006, due to the seriousness of the offense related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.