A Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for defiling an 11-year-old girl.
The trial judge, Justice Rita Oguguo, held that the prosecution proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt through oral testimony, the convict’s confessional statement and other evidence presented before the court.
The court heard that Chukwumatti repeatedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the minor after luring her to his apartment with money while she was on her way to school.
Although Justice Oguguo noted that the offence ordinarily attracts life imprisonment under the law, she said the court considered the fact that the convict’s children were without a mother before imposing a 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the convict to pay ₦1 million as compensation to the victim’s family. The judge also directed that his name be entered into the Rivers State register of convicted rapists and issued a restraining order preventing him and his family from approaching the victim’s family.
Reacting to the judgment, the Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, described the verdict as justice for the victim and expressed hope that it would serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar offences against children.
