Witness Details Alleged Coercion of Teen by Housewife to Bear Children for Husband in Lagos Court
Teen Forced into Surrogate Role by Housewife to Bear Husband’s Children
In a disturbing case before the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Elizabeth Osikolu, recounted how a housewife, Omolara Alashe, allegedly forced a 19-year-old girl to sleep with her husband, Ramoni Lateef, for the purpose of bearing children.
The prosecution, led by state counsel B.T. Boye and assisted by Bukola Okeowo, presented Osikolu as the second witness. She detailed the accusations against Alashe and Lateef, who face charges from the Lagos State Government for conspiracy, rape, sexual assault, and theft.
According to Osikolu, the events unfolded in 2022 when the couple moved from Ojota to Ketu. After the girl’s mother passed away, the couple reportedly offered her accommodation. However, while staying with them, she allegedly endured repeated physical abuse. Osikolu stated that Alashe would reportedly wake the girl at midnight, strip her naked, and then coerce her husband into having sexual relations with her without consent.
The situation escalated one day when Alashe allegedly beat the girl, stripped her, and violated her with her fingers before throwing her belongings out and seizing her ATM card, mobile phone, and salary, effectively isolating her financially. The last incident was said to have occurred on March 24, 2023.
The investigation also revealed that the couple lost a child in October 2022, and, unable to conceive again, they allegedly forced the survivor into their plan to bear children on their behalf, rather than Lateef remarrying.
In cross-examination, Osikolu asserted that the girl was truthful in her report and had undergone medical examinations. She further explained that the teen was intimidated by Alashe and felt unable to resist the couple’s demands.
Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the case until February 3, 2025, for further trial proceedings.
