A Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 27-year-old final-year Mass Communication student, Wisdom Edem, to 35 years in prison for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Peace Otti delivered the judgment on Thursday in Charge No. A/3C/2024 after finding the defendant guilty on a three-count charge filed by the Anambra State Government.
The court sentenced Edem to 25 years for defilement, 5 years for sexual abuse and exploitation, and another 5 years for inflicting physical injury on the victim.
According to the prosecution led by Principal State Counsel, Mrs. Chinelo Akorah, the convict lured the minor to his residence under the pretext of featuring her in a comedy skit.
The victim, who testified as the first prosecution witness, told the court that she went to the defendant’s house with her younger sister, having previously appeared in skits with him.
She said Edem sent her sister on an errand, locked her in a room and allegedly raped her, causing injuries.
A medical doctor who examined the child the same day confirmed in court that she sustained injuries consistent with sexual assault.
The prosecution presented six witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, including the defendant’s confessional statement and the medical report.
In his defence, Edem denied the allegations and claimed the child initiated the act. Justice Otti dismissed the claim, ruling that a child cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse under the law.
The judge described the offence as premeditated and held that the victim’s testimony was corroborated by the confessional statement and other evidence.
She ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt through eyewitness testimony, medical evidence, circumstantial evidence and the defendant’s confession.
The convict was absent when judgment was delivered. Justice Otti, relying on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be declared wanted.
The court also directed that his photographs be circulated to the police and published to aid his arrest.
In addition, the judge ordered Edem’s university to withhold his certificate until he completes his prison term, and directed him to pay N200,000 compensation to the victim for the physical injuries she sustained.
The charges were brought under Section 34(2) and Section 35(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004, and Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra State, 2017.
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