Omanghana
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 25-year-old tricycle operator, Jerry Njoku, to seven years in prison with hard labour for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Rita Oguguo delivered the judgment after finding that the prosecution had proved its case against Njoku beyond reasonable doubt.
The court also ordered the convict to pay ₦5 million to the child’s family to support her care and recovery.
The victim’s name has been withheld because she is a minor and a survivor of sexual violence.
Court Finds Njoku Guilty of Defilement
Justice Oguguo held that the evidence presented during the trial established the offence of defilement against the defendant.
Njoku was consequently convicted and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The court directed that the prison terms should run concurrently.
The defence lawyer declined to comment after the judgment.
Court Orders ₦5 Million Payment
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a ₦5 million financial penalty to be paid directly to the victim’s family.
The money is intended to contribute towards the child’s upkeep, care and rehabilitation following the physical and emotional trauma associated with the abuse.
Financial compensation cannot erase the harm suffered by a survivor, but it can assist with medical treatment, counselling, education and other long-term needs.
Prosecutor Welcomes Judgment
Precious Ordu, a Chief State Counsel with the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, welcomed the decision and described it as justice for the victim, the state and society.
Ordu said the judgment demonstrated that people who sexually abuse children would be held accountable.
“The court gave a seven-year sentence to the defendant with hard labour and a fine of ₦5 million to be paid to the victim’s family for the upkeep of the girl,” the prosecutor said.
Ordu added that the ruling should deter others from committing similar offences.
Calls Continue for Stronger Protection of Children
The judgment comes amid continuing public demands for stronger measures against child sexual abuse in Nigeria.
Campaigners have called for prompt investigations, survivor-centred prosecutions and sentences that reflect the seriousness of offences against minors.
They have also stressed that punishment alone is insufficient. Families, schools, religious institutions and communities must create safe systems through which children can report abuse without fear, shame or intimidation.
Survivors should receive appropriate medical care, trauma-informed counselling and continued protection from contact with alleged offenders.
The Rivers State judgment provides a measure of accountability, but the child’s privacy and long-term welfare must remain central after the conclusion of the criminal case.
Source: Omanghana
