Rape: Man jailed for 14 years in Cross River

…he is prohibited from having custody of any female child and from interacting with any child outside his own under supervision

A High Court sitting in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State has sentenced Mr Ernest Odong Oyira (age between 40-60), to 14 years imprisonment for rape.

CONVERSEER learned that Oyira was sentenced on Wednesday, 27 March, and his sentence was suspended under strict conditions through a plea bargain.

According to a statement by Barr. James Ibor, Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, the convict was asked to compensate the victim’s mother with N300,000 in damages.

“As part of his punishment, Mr Ernest Odong Oyira must compensate the victim’s mother with 300,000 naira in damages.

“Additionally, he is prohibited from having custody of any female child and from interacting with any child outside his own under supervision. He is also barred from working in institutions caring for children.”

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The statement further said “The perpetrator will serve the community – for the next six months, he will clean the village market and dispose of refuse properly. Subsequently, for one year, he will maintain the Obubra High Court premises by weeding grass and ensuring cleanliness.

“Non-compliance with any of the conditions will result in the immediate reinstatement of his suspended sentence, leading to the original 14-year imprisonment term.”

Ernest Odong Oyira

It added, “This verdict sends a clear message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable. Our commitment to seeking justice and protecting the vulnerable remains unwavering.”

CONVERSEER reports that the conviction was secured by a BRCI Legal Team led by Ibor, ActionAid Nigeria, Nigeria Police, and the Ministry of Justice.