Two women arraigned in Akure over alleged assault of four-year-old
By Boye Oyeyemi –
Two women, Omolola Gomina, 40, and Matthew Patience, 52, were on Thursday arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court over the alleged indecent assault of a four-year-old girl.
The defendants appeared before Magistrate Temitope Alphonso on a two-count charge of alleged indecent assault and negligence.
According to the prosecution, the incident allegedly occurred on January 16, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m. at Field High School, Oba-Ile, within the Ondo Magisterial District.
The prosecutor alleged that Gomina unlawfully assaulted the minor, identified as Akinola Mercy Eniola, by inserting her finger into the child’s private part. The offence is said to contravene Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2021.
In the second count, Matthew Patience, described as the headmistress of the school, was accused of failing to adequately supervise pupils under her care, an act said to have exposed the child to harm. The charge contravenes Section 515 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
During proceedings, the prosecutor, Supol Martins Olowofeso, requested an adjournment to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses for trial. Counsel to the defendants, Akinyemi Omoware, urged the court to grant bail to his clients.
In her ruling, Magistrate Alphonso admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500,000 each with one surety in like sum. The court directed that the sureties provide two recent passport photographs, evidence of current tax payment, and verified residential addresses through a security agency.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 9, 2026, for hearing.
