Vigilante sentenced to life imprisonment for raping minor in Edo

A high court in Edo State, Benin has sentenced a member of a vigilante group from Egba community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of ​​Edo State to life imprisonment for the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

The convict, Enaho Odigie, is alleged to have raped the victim on August 22, 2021 at about 6pm at Ogieva Street, corner of Benin and Auchi Road, Aduwawa, in Benin City.

Judge Mary Itsueli, who delivered the verdict in a case bearing the reference number B/CD/24CV/21 between the plaintiff and the defendant, said the defence counsel had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt.

She added: “In view of all the evidence before me, there is no doubt in my mind that Pw2 was raped and that the accused was the one who raped her.”

The judge ruled that the offence contravened Section 4 and was punishable under Section 5(1) of the Edo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2021.

The presiding judge continued: “The sentence imposed left no discretion to the court. Since the accused was found guilty of the charges, he is sentenced to life imprisonment.”

She also ordered that the defendant’s photograph be deposited with the court and entered into the sex offenders’ register.