A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a 39-year-old man, Usual Etim Udo, to life imprisonment for r@ping an eight-year-old girl.
The incident occurred in March 2025 in Calabar.
The judge, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, handed down the sentence on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Barrister James Ibor, the Principal Counsel at Basic Right Council Initiatives (BRCI), a not-for-profit organisation, commended Egwu for her firm and principled adjudication of the matter.
“I wish to thank the Commissioner of Police Rashid Afegbua, the Hon Attorney General Ededem Ani, and the DPP Okoi Ukam for their commitment to safeguard the future of our children. Thank you Rajunor Tom for your diligence in prosecuting this case,” he wrote.
In a statement issued after the ruling, BRCI added that the judgement reinforces that children’s rights are enforceable under the law and that s3xual violence against children carries severe legal consequences.
“A child was harmed. The justice system responded. The court has now delivered its judgment,” the statement read.
“Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu of the High Court of Cross River State has today February 24, 2026 sentenced Uduak Etim Udo, a 39-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the r3pe of an 8-year-old.
“The outcome of this case shows what is possible when institutions carry out their legal duties fully and without compromise.
“Basic Rights Counsel Initiative recognizes the importance of this judgment because it reflects the work of individuals who refused to overlook a child’s suffering but ensured the law took its course.
“Our Principal Counsel, James Ibor expresses appreciation to Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu for her firm and principled adjudication of this matter.
“We also acknowledge the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecution, Okoi Ukam; and Rajunor Tom for their diligence in prosecuting this case and safeguarding the future of our children.
“This is not about headlines. It is about accountability. It reinforces that children’s rights are enforceable under the law and that s3xual violence against children carries severe legal consequences.
“BRCI will continue to pursue justice, support survivors, and insist that the justice system works for the most vulnerable.”
