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A Cross River State High Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, to life imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Blessing Egwu delivered the judgment, which child rights advocates have welcomed as an important step towards protecting children from sexual violence and abuse.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the survivor and her family throughout the legal proceedings, commended the court for the conviction and sentence.
The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the state Ministry of Justice towards securing the conviction.
BRCI specifically recognised the Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam; and Joseph Apajung for their commitment to the prosecution of the case.
The organisation stressed that justice for child survivors of sexual abuse must go beyond securing convictions. It said their privacy must be protected and that they and their families should receive appropriate care and support to help them recover.
BRCI further called on relevant stakeholders to strengthen efforts to prevent sexual violence and ensure survivors have access to medical and psychosocial support. It urged sustained action to protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of children.
