Two Chinese nationals – Chen Gang and Zhao Weidong – who allegedly attempted to rape their 20-year-old cook, were on Wednesday charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Gang, 47, is facing a four-count charge bordering on attempted rape, sexual harassment and indecent assault, while Weidong, 31, is being tried for willful damage and attempt to pervert justice.
The duo, however, entered a plea of not guilty.
But the prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uaedmevbo, insisted that the Chinese nationals committed the offences on September 15 at 8 a.m. at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at Nigeria Railway Compound, Ebute Metta.
He said Gang harassed the cook sexually and also attempted to have carnal knowledge of her.
“Gang assaulted the woman by removing her bum shorts forcefully and touching her without her consent.’’
Uaedmevbo alleged that Weidong also destroyed a Nokia mobile phone belonging to the woman by throwing it into the toilet.
He said:“The woman shouted for help and the policemen on duty in the compound came to rescue her.’’
Counsel to the accused, Mr Fidelis Osordi, urged the court to grant them bail.
But the prosecutor opposed the bail application, saying the Chinese nationals may run away.
He said the offences contravened Sections 91, 134, 170, 260, 262 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Tanimola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
The accused may be jailed for 14 years each if convicted.
The case was adjourned to October 17 for mention.
