An Ebonyi State Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki, on Wednesday, remanded a 22-year-old man, Odom Emmanuel, in a correctional facility for rape.

It was gathered that the accused committed the offence on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at the Amajim-Ameka community in the Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was alleged to have lured a 16-year-old girl into an uncompleted building in the area and had carnal knowledge of her.

The accused was arraigned on one count of unlawful intercourse.

The police prosecutor, Mr Eze Mathias, told the court that the offence was punishable under Section 34 (2) Ebonyi Child Right Law and Related Matters, 2010.

The accused’s plea for bail made by his counsel was opposed by the police prosecutor.

The Chief Magistrate, Nnenna Onuoha, said the application for bail was not considered because the court lacked the jurisdiction to try the matter.

She ordered that the accused person be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Abakaliki, and his case file be transferred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the state for advice.

The matter was adjourned till November 29, 2019, for report of compliance.