PDP Chieftain Arraigned for Alleged Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl in Kwara

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Musbau Esinrogunjo, has been arraigned before the Kwara State High Court over the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl identified as Aishat Kamardeen.

Esinrogunjo, who was the PDP chairmanship candidate in the 2024 local government election, was dragged to court by the Kwara State Government for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor.

During Monday’s sitting, the Defence Counsel, Joseph Bamgboye (SAN), initially objected to the arraignment, but the court overruled his opposition.

Leading the prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ayoola Akande, requested that the accused be properly arraigned in line with the law.

According to Mr. Akande, “The matter is for arraignment. We humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant.”

The one-count charge of rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor was thereafter read to Esinrogunjo in open court.

The DPP further argued that the accused was already before the court and had not been officially granted bail. However, the Defence Counsel countered that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier granted his client bail in July 2025.

“He has not breached any of the bail conditions and is not at large,” Bamgboye stated.

In response, the DPP maintained that “the issue of bail, either written or oral, cannot be considered until after proper arraignment.”

Presiding Judge, Justice Funso Dada Lawal, ruled that the arraignment should proceed but deferred the plea taking until the next adjourned date.

Justice Lawal thereafter adjourned the case to November 13, 2025, for hearing of the defendant’s application and formal plea taking, in accordance with Section 228 of the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).