By Frank Ulom
A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has convicted and sentenced one Nsikak Friday Okon, a 38-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 10year old girl.
The court, presided by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, made the sentence on Wednesday after finding the convict guilty.
The conviction was secured by secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) and other stakeholders.
Commenting on the judgment, James Ibor, Esq., Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of BRCI, said Cross River State has zero tolerance for rape and the abuse of children.
According to him, “This judgment reinforces the principle that every child has the right to live free from sexual violence, abuse and exploitation.”
Ibor commended the Cross River State Government for demonstrating a commitment to addressing sexual violence. “I also appreciate the Nigeria Police Force for its thorough investigation and the Honourable Attorney General, Ededem Ani, for standing firm in the pursuit of justice despite the pressures that came with the case.
“My sincere gratitude goes to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, and Mr. Joseph Apajung for their diligence and commitment to ensuring that the perpetrator was held accountable.
“I am particularly grateful to my team at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) for standing alongside the survivor and her family throughout this difficult journey. Their friends, supporting survivors of sexual assault of that age goes beyond securing convictions, protecting their privacy, patiently listening to their needs and ensuring that they and their families receive the support they need to heal and rebuild can be challenging in Nigeria.
“I also acknowledge our civil society and development partners, Safe Child Africa, ActionAid Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria, for their invaluable support.
“While we welcome this judgment, we must remember that behind every case of sexual violence is a child whose safety, dignity and wellbeing must remain paramount. Justice must go beyond punishment to include protection, survivor-centred support, access to appropriate care and the prevention of further abuse.
“The fight against sexual violence must remain collective, sustained and firmly rooted in the rights and best interests of survivors,” Ibor said.
Converseer reports that BRCI has secured the convictions of eight rapists in the past 10 months in Cross River State.
