From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
A High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a man, Dafwat Jelkyes, who is standing trial over allegations of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who was four years old at the time of the incident.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Mary Izam of High Court 15 after the defendant and his counsel failed to appear in court when the case was called for hearing.
The court was informed that the defendant had been duly served with the hearing notice but was absent without explanation.
Following the development, Justice Izam directed that a bench warrant be issued for the arrest of the defendant and adjourned the matter to April 16, 2026, for further proceedings.
The case, filed in the name of the People of Plateau State, accuses Jelkyes of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, contrary to Section 33(1) and punishable under Section 33(2) of the Plateau State Child’s Rights Law, 2005.
He is also facing a second charge of sexual abuse and exploitation under Section 34(1), punishable under Section 34(2) of the same law.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, lead counsel for the nominal complainant, Barrister Mariya Shittu, explained that the court sitting was meant for the arraignment of the defendant.
“We came to court for the arraignment, which is the stage where the defendant either pleads guilty or not guilty to the charges. Unfortunately, the defendant is not in court, and neither is his lawyer,” she said.
Shittu disclosed that the defendant had also failed to appear at the previous court sitting, although his counsel was present at the time.
“At the last adjourned date, his lawyer told the court that the defendant was ill. We came back today, but he is still not in court,” she added.
She further noted that the case is being prosecuted by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Plateau State branch, on behalf of the state, through a fiat granted by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi.
According to her, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State empowers the court to issue a bench warrant where a defendant who has been properly served fails to appear in court.
Also speaking after the session, Jennifer Yarima, who heads the Gender-Based Violence Desk of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Plateau State, said journalists were present in solidarity with the victim.
“We are here in solidarity because a minor has been violated. We are standing for justice for this little girl and many others whose voices may not be heard,” she said.