Father sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping and impregnating his daughter

In a landmark ruling, the Bayelsa State High Court sentenced 41-year-old father Baridapsi Needam to 14 years in prison for the heinous crime of raping and impregnating his own daughter.

The case bearing the number YHC/14C/2022 revolved around the violation of Section 1(1) of the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2021.

According to prosecutor Pere Amanda Egbuson, the investigation has uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse.

Needam is said to have started sexually abusing his daughter when she was just seven years old, initially using his fingers and later having sexual intercourse with her.

This horrific abuse continued until she became pregnant in 2022.

Presiding Judge DE Adokeme stressed the strength of the prosecution’s case and cited crucial evidence, including a DNA test that confirmed Needam’s paternity of the child born during the trial.

The court found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced him to 14 years in prison.

In his speech after the verdict, Egbuson stressed the deterrent effect of the verdict and sent a clear message that such heinous acts would not be tolerated.

She thanked the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Biriyai Dambo, SAN, for supporting the DNA analysis which is crucial to ensuring justice is done.

Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, Founder of Do Foundation, echoed this sentiment and commended the collaboration of the Bayelsa State Government, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs and Social Development and the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative Team.

She stressed the need to protect victims and vulnerable children and warned potential perpetrators to stay away from such attacks.

The convict, who originally hails from Ogani Wily Kaira Community in Ogoni, Rivers State, came to the attention of the authorities when a concerned neighbour noticed the victim’s pregnancy.

Shockingly, Needam is said to have replaced his late wife with his own daughter and forced her to share a bed while her younger brothers were relegated to the floor.

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