Family court sentences man to life imprisonment for rape of 11-year-old Girl*
Family court sentences man to life imprisonment for rape of 11-year-old Girl*
Calabar court jails man life for rape of 11-year-old girl
A Family Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a 41-year-old man, Endurance Ime, to life imprisonment for the rape of an 11-year-old girl.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Family Court II, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu, who found the defendant guilty after a full trial.
The conviction was secured with the support of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-governmental organisation involved in the protection and advocacy of women and children’s rights in Cross River State.
Reacting to the ruling, Principal Counsel of BRCI, James Ibor, Esq., commended the court for what he described as a firm stance in delivering justice in the case.
“We express our sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Army (13 Brigade, Calabar), the Nigeria Police Force, Cross River State Command, the Attorney-General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the staff and volunteers of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative for the invaluable support they provided to the investigators and the child throughout the course of this case,” he said.
Ibor also acknowledged the contributions of legal practitioners Okoi Ukam, Esq., and Mrs Linda Asuquo, noting that their efforts were critical to the successful prosecution of the case.
He said their collaboration ensured a smooth legal process and guaranteed justice for the victim.
The BRCI counsel further praised the Cross River State Government for its support in strengthening the fight against gender-based violence and ensuring accountability for offenders.
Legal experts and child rights advocates have described the verdict as a significant victory in the fight against child defilement, noting that it reinforces the role of Family Courts in delivering swift justice in sensitive cases.
The organisation also disclosed that the conviction marks its sixth successful prosecution in the past six months in Cross River State, highlighting its intensified campaign against child abuse.
