An Edo state Chief Magistrate Court has sentenced a man to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine for the rape and assault of a minor and also for conspiracy as applicable in the Edo State Criminal Code Law.

The accused, Dele Eric and two other persons who are allegedly still at large, committed the offence in Ikpeshi, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state and were further accused of attacking their victim with a machete when she first resisted them.

Eric was also accused of masturbating and ejaculating in the face and mouth of the victim who is said to be a person living with disability.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) Nosa Musoe, described the crime as “despicable” and “unconscionable.” The magistrate noted that the victim suffered not only physical but also emotional trauma, and that the sentence was meant to deter others from committing similar acts.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Obaze Samuel of the Igarra Area Command of the Nigerian Police the culprit was sentenced last Friday after being arraigned on charge number MIG/23/2020.

In a statement made available to the press on Monday by Priscilla Usiobaifo, the Executive Director, BraveHeart Initiative, BHI, which provided support for the case, the organisation is satisfied with the outcome and are determined to continue to facilitate justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

“A total of 30 court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, lgarra. Despite the slow pace, our team remained fiercely spirited, resilient, and hopeful in the judicial process to deliver justice.

“BHI began an intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020, and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020”, Usiobaifo stated.