An Upper Area Court in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Tuesday admitted to bail a 51-year-old trader, Yinusa Idris, accused of allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl.

Idris, an engine oil retailer, who resides at Igangu Compound in Omu-Aran, was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 by the judge, Mr Fagbemi Adeyemi.

The accused, who is standing trial on a one count charge of rape, pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on Nov. 22.

Ruling on the bail application, Adeyemi said the court decided to grant the accused bail because he was a first time offender.

He then adjourned the case to Jan. 15 for further hearing.

It would be recalled that the prosecutor, Insp. Fabiyi Abiodun, had told the court that Idris, whose shop was close to that of the victim's mother, on Nov. 17 lured the girl into his shop and forcefully raped her.

Abiodun told the court that Idris lured his victim under the guise of buying yoghurt from her.

The prosecutor alleged that Idris asked the victim to bring the yoghurt inside his shop where he pushed her to the floor and raped her.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 282 and 283 of the Penal Code.