By Frank Ulom
A Cross River State Family Court 2 sitting in Calabar has convicted and sentenced Edidiong Cletus Nyojole, a 27-year-old man to life imprisonment for rape.
Nyojole was convicted and sentenced on Tuesday by Honourable Justice Blessing Egwu of Cross River State Family Court 2. Egwu has been commended as one of the best and fairest judges in the state.
Converseer reports that Nyojole was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl at Uwanse, Calabar South, after forcefully dragging her into an uncompleted building alongside an accomplice who remains at large.
The Court, relying on strong medical evidence, corroborated witness testimonies, and the Defendant’s own admission during trial, imposed life imprisonment and ordered the payment of ₦1,000,000 as compensation to the victim.
“This conviction shows a firm judicial stance against sexual violence and affirms that perpetrators of such crimes will be held fully accountable under the law,” Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), the non-governmental organisation which secured the conviction stated.
Commenting further on the judgment, James Ibor, Esq., Principal Counsel of BRCI, stated that Cross River State has zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Ibor thanked the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, Justice Egwu, and the Cross River State Judiciary for ensuring the survivor received the justice she deserved.
“We acknowledge this outcome as a significant step. Efforts will continue to ensure that all perpetrators of abuse against children are identified and brought to justice.
“We commend the Nigeria Police in Cross River State; the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Etubom Ededem Charles Ani; and the staff of BRCI, who made this conviction possible. Cross River State you can confirm has zero tolerance for SGBV.”
