One Joseph Ojukwuu, a Nigerian, was on Tuesday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay of the Kanifing Magistrate Court, charged with defilement, contrary to Section 127 of the criminal laws.

According to the particulars, the accused, in 2008, at London Corner in Serrekunda, had carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of consent (name withheld). The police prosecutor, Sohana Njing, yesterday made an application that the accused should not be granted bail, on the grounds that he is a foreigner and might flee when granted bail.

In response, the defence counsel, Edward Gomez, told the court that the offence committed by the accused is a bailable one, noting that the constitution of The Gambia gives right to every person irrespective of colour, race and origin to be granted bail. He added that even if the accused should abscond, the surety would be there to forfeit the bail. The case was adjourned for ruling.