A Cross River State High Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, to life imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Blessing Egwu handed down the sentence in a judgment welcomed by child rights advocates as a significant step towards protecting children from sexual violence and abuse.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, which supported the survivor and her family throughout the legal proceedings, commended the court for the verdict.
The organisation also recognized the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the state Ministry of Justice for their roles in securing the conviction.
It specifically acknowledged the Attorney General of the state, Ededem Ani, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam, and Joseph Apajung for their commitment to the prosecution of the case.
BRCI said supporting a child survivor of sexual assault went beyond securing a conviction, stressing the need to protect the victim’s privacy and ensure access to appropriate care and support.
“Supporting survivors of sexual assault at that age goes beyond securing convictions. It means protecting their privacy, listening patiently to their needs and ensuring that they and their families get the support to heal and rebuild,” the organisation said.
While describing the judgment as a step towards justice, BRCI urged stakeholders to ensure that survivors of sexual violence receive adequate protection, medical and psychosocial support.
The organisation called for sustained efforts to prevent sexual abuse and protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of children.