A 54-year-old farmer was on Friday arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.Elisha Markus of Angwa Zama Lafia village, near Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, was charged with defilement, an offence contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code.

Prosecutor Philips Akogwu told the court that on August 15, the girl's father reported at Asokoro Police Station that the accused invited his daughter to his room on the pretext of sending a message to him and forced her to unlawful sex without her consent.

When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty and the prosecutor asked for a hearing date.

Chief Magistrate Azubuike Okeagu granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with a reliable surety in like sum, who must reside within the court's jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned to September 26 for hearing.