Edo man gets 14 years imprisonment for raping disabled girl

An Edo State Magistrate Court in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, has handed a 14-year prison sentence to Dele Eric, with no option for a fine.

This sentencing follows his conviction for the charges of rape and assault against a female individual with a disability.

Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) Nosa Musoe delivered the verdict, aligning with the provisions of the Edo State Criminal Code Law.

Eric and others (now at large) who were said to have committed the offence in Ikpeshi town inflicted machete wounds on the bodies of their victims when she resisted them.

The convict was also accused of masturbating and ejaculating on the face and mouth of the victim who is said to be a person with disability.

He was arraigned on charge no MIG/23/2020 and was prosecuted by Inspector Obaze Samuel of the Igarra Area Command of the Nigerian Police.

Reacting to the Court judgement, Mrs Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) which provided support for the case, said the foundation is satisfied with the outcome of the case.

She assured that the foundation will continue to facilitate justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Usiobaifo said “BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) began intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020 and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020.”

“A total of thirty (30) court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, lgarra – four sittings (4) in 2020; fourteen (14) in 2021;eight (8) in 2022; and four (4) in 2023. The prosecution timeline was significantly elongated as a result of the COVID crisis.

“Despite the slow pace, our team remained fiercely spirited, resilient, and hopeful in the judicial process to deliver justice.

“We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and support to the survivor to access essential services in the face of the several limitations from the rigid COVID-19 protocols in Edo State.

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