A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a 25-year-old man, Jerry Njoku, to seven years in prison with hard labour for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
Delivering judgement on Tuesday, the trial judge, Rita Oguguo, also ordered the convict to pay the sum of N5m to the family of the minor for her upkeep.
Justice Oguguo held that the prosecution was able to prove the case of defilement against the convict, Jerry Njoku, and sentenced him to seven years with hard labour, to run concurrently, and a fine of N5m, which must be paid to the victim’s family.
Our correspondent reports that while the defence counsel declined to comment on the judgement, the prosecution counsel, Precious Ordu, who is a chief state counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, described the judgement as a welcome development. Related News Three remanded for stealing, selling Osun free treated nets Father, three sons held for alleged kidnapping in Ondo ASUU threatens strikes in Oyo, Kwara, Enugu over pay deal
Ordu said the judgment is justice for the state, the victim and the convict, insisting that it will serve as a deterrent to those planning to engage in such a wicked act.
