Two friends in court for drug and raping of childhood friend

Two friends, Chidiebere Ejide, 18, and Chidi Amadi, 22, have appeared in court for alleged gang rape of their female friend.

They were docked before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s’ Court in Lagos on Friday.

The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.Amadi is to stand trial on a charge for conspiracy, while Ejide is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, rape and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Cousin Adams, told the court that the offences were committed on March 27 between 4pm and 10pm at Haile Selassie Hotel, Aguda, Lagos.

He said the complainant, Aduke Solanke, had followed Amadi, her childhood friend, to the hotel.

During investigation, Solanke claimed that she woke up in the hotel room and discovered she had been drugged and gang raped.According to the prosecutor, Amadi had connived with Ejide and another person, who is presently at large, to rape her.

Adams also told the court that the accused stole Solanke’s N150,000 cash, which she kept in her bag.

The offences contravened Sections 260 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Helen Omisore, admitted the duo to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.Section 260 provides that “any person who attempts to commit the offence of rape or sexual assault by penetration is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for 14 years”.

The case was then adjourned until April 24 for mention.