By Frank Ulom
A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar, Tuesday, convicted and sentenced John Sunday Eyo to life imprisonment for rape.
Eyo was convicted by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu for raping a 16-year-old girl, and was later sentenced to spent his entire life in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Afokang Prison, Calabar.
Converseer gathered that the conviction was 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 the abuse of children.
Ibor commended the Cross River State Police Command, the Honourable Attorney-General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Okoi Ukam, for their commitment to securing justice.
“Special appreciation goes to Mrs Linda Asuquo for her unwavering dedication throughout the prosecution of the case. We also thank the BRCI team and our civil society partners for their tireless efforts in ensuring the protection and safety of children.
“Cross River State has zero tolerance for the abuse of children. Justice for survivors is a collective responsibility, and together we will continue to stand against all forms of violence against children,” Ibor added.
Converseer reports that BRCI has secured the convictions of seven rapists in the past six months.