BREAKING: Court sentences man to life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old girl in Calabar

By Patrick Obia

As rape cases continue unabated in Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State, 25-year-old man Aniedi Mfon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling an eight-year-old girl (name withheld for reasons).

The Judge, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, Chairman of the Family Court 2 of the Calabar High Court, lamented the high prevalence of rape and sentenced Aniedi to life imprisonment on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, after he was convicted of the crime committed on September 27 was found guilty in 2022.

The court imposed a fine of one (1) million naira on behalf of the survivor.

The case was fought hard by the Basic Rights Council Initiative (BRCI), a nonprofit organization focused on combating rape, witchcraft, human rights violations and other oppressive practices.

BRCI said the verdict was a victory for justice and a victory for the survivor and her family, who courageously stood up against bribery and intimidation in the pursuit of justice.

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The organization thanked the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force led by CP Gyogon Grimah.

Also applauded were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani; Principal Counsel for the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative; Attorney James Ibor, the BRCI team and prosecutor; Patience, Emmanuel Akpama, for your dedication and commitment throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.

This happens less than two months after a 10 year old Survivors who was raped by his uncle, was brought to trial in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.

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