Asamankese, Dec. 31, GNA - Kwadwo Galigo, a 26-year-old farmer, on Thursday appeared before the Asamankese Circuit Court for defiling his 12-Year-old niece.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in prison custody to re-appear on January 11, 2010.

Police Chief Inspector Kate Ogyiri told the court that Galigo lived in the same house with the primary school girl at Kordorbeda near Asamankese. He said the accused lived with his wife in the same house, whereas the girl lived with her grandmother who is Galigo's aunt. The prosecutor said late in 2008, Galigo lured the girl into a bush on two occasions under the pretext of giving her money and sexually abused her. He said Galigo on both occasions warned the victim not to reveal her ordeal to anyone or else she would die.

On January 10, 2009, Galigo again invited the girl into his room when the wife was out of the house under the pretext of sending her on an errand. The prosecutor said Galigo started to have sexual intercourse with her and while in the act, his wife entered the room. The grandmother reported the case to the police but Galigo bolted from the community and was arrested on his return. 31 Dec. 09