By Patrick Obia
As cases of rape continue unabated in Nigeria, especially Cross River State, 25 years old man, Aniedi Mfon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling an eight years old girl (name withheld for reasons).
The Judge, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, presiding over Family Court 2 of the High Court, Calabar, lamented the high prevalence of rape, and sentenced Aniedi to life in jail on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, after he was found guilty of the crime committed on 27 September 2022.
The court awarded the sum of one (1) million Naira fine in favor of the survivor.
The case was fought tooth-for-tooth by Basic Rights Council Initiative (BRCI) a non-profit organization focused on fighting rape, witchcraft branding, human rights abuse, and other repressive practices.
BRCI said the judgment is a justice that prevailed and a victory for the survivor and her family who courageously resisted bribery and intimidation throughout the pursuit of justice.
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The organization thanked the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, led by CP Gyogon Grimah.
Also applauded are the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani; Principal Counsel at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative; Barrister James Ibor, the BRCI team, and Prosecutor; Patience Emmanuel Akpama for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.
This is coming less than two months after a 10 years old survivor raped by his uncle got justice in Cross River State Northern Senatorial district.