By Patrick Obia
A High Court sitting in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State has sentenced a man in his 40s, Mr. Ernest Odong Oyira, to 14 years imprisonment after being found guilty of rape.
The 10-year-old victim (name withheld) is the perpetrator’s niece and was 8 years old when she got raped.
Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-profit organization focused on human rights abuse, witchcraft accusation, rape, and other sundry abuses, stepped into the matter immediately after it happened two years ago.
However, his sentence has been suspended under tight conditions through a plea bargain.
As part of his punishment, Mr. Ernest must compensate the victim’s mother with N300,000 Naira in damages.
Additionally, he is prohibited from having custody of any female child and from interacting with any child outside his own under supervision. He is also barred from working in institutions caring for children.
The convict will also serve the community. For the next six months, he will clean the village market and dispose of refuse properly.
Similarly, for the next year, he will maintain the Obubra High Court premises by weeding grass and ensuring cleanliness.
Non-compliance with any of the conditions will result in the immediate reinstatement of his suspended sentence, leading to the original 14-year imprisonment term.
According to the BRCI, this verdict sends a clear message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable.
“Our commitment to seeking justice and protecting the vulnerable remains unwavering. Thank you BRCI Legal Team led by our Principal Counsel, James Ibor, ActionAid Nigeria, the Nigerian Police, and the Ministry of Justice.”
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