Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Defiling 10-Year-Old Girl in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has found a 25-year-old man, Jerry Njoku, guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison with hard labour for defiling a 10-year-old girl.

Justice Rita Oguguo gave the judgment on Tuesday. She also ordered Njoku to pay N5 million to the girl's family for her care.

Justice Oguguo stated that the prosecution proved the case of defilement against Njoku. He received a seven-year sentence with hard labour, and this will run together with the fine of N5 million to the victim’s family.

According to PUNCH Online, the defence lawyer did not want to comment on the ruling. But Precious Ordu, the prosecution lawyer and a Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, called the judgment a positive development.

Ordu said this ruling is justice for the state, the victim, and even for the convict. He believes it will warn others thinking about committing similar acts.

He stated, “Well, it’s an offence of defilement and the court today gave a judgment that is so overwhelming.

“I’m sure both the state, the defendant, and the victim have also benefited from the judgment. The court gave a seven-year sentence to the defendant with hard labour and a fine of N5 million to be paid to the victim’s family for the upkeep of the girl, the victim herself.

“It is a welcome development that at least those who have the intention of defiling minors will also sit up and control their urge.”