By Osaigbovo Iguobaro
A Benin Magistrate Court has sentenced a 57-year-old man, Michael Ugoke to 14 years in Nigerian Correctional Centre for raping a minor.
The convict was jailed without an option of fine for unlawfully canal knowledge of a seven year-old minor.
He was arraigned on May 11, 2021 by the police on a one-count charge of rape, an offence punishable under section 358 of the Criminal Code as applicable to Edo State.
Delivering his judgement, Magistrate E. O Aimofumeh held that the prosecution was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the accused to 14 years in Correctional centre without any option of fine.
He said the the sentence would serve as deterrent to other who are in the habit of abusing minors.
The court further held that “the prosecution was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubts”, adding that the sentence would serve as deterrent to “others who are in the habit of abusing minors”
Responding to the landmark judgement, wife of Edo State governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, wife of Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki has said the State Gender Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC) will clampdown on rapists in other to “reduce or possibly eradicate the crime”.
She described the judgement was Justice well served, adding that “when we get these convictions, we are energised”.
According to Mrs. Obaseki, the State Chairperson o Gender-Based Violence Committee, “we are very intensional and serious about protecting our citizens; especially women and children”.
“And out of court settlement channel is not an option for suspects. As much as they are crimes against persons, they are also crimes against the State.
“When people attack and rape victims, it is as bad as an armed robber coming into your house to shoot you and go away with your goods. The state must ensure that such doesn’t happen”, she added.
