Accra, July 6, GNA - A 32-year-old Nigerian cobbler who allegedly defiled and impregnated a 15-year-old iced water seller was on Monday put before an Accra Circuit Court charged with defilement. Edward Chiku, aka Sani Abacha, pleaded not guilty and the court presided over Mr C.A. Wilson remanded him into police custody to re-appear on July 20.

Remanding him into police custody, the trial judge who spoke in Twi remarked: "Because you are a former president (the late Nigerian President Sani Abacha) we will give a place to rest." The judge's pronouncement sent the audience gathered at the court laughing.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lawrence Gbele, the prosecutor, said in January this year, the victim went out to sell iced water at Mallam in Accra.

The accused purchased a sachet and asked the victim to come for the money in his kiosk, but as soon as she entered, Chiku defiled her and offered her GH¢2.00 with a warning not to disclose her ordeal to anyone.

The prosecution said Chiku used the same modus operandi and defiled victim the second time. He said after sometime the victim fell ill and was sent to the hospital, where she was diagnosed to be six months pregnant. The prosecution said when the victim was quizzed, she disclosed that it was Chiku who was responsible. A report was made to the police at Odorkor, the accused was apprehended and after investigations charged with the offence.