An individual, aged 25, was recently given a life sentence by the Cross River State High Court in Calabar for assaulting an 8-year-old girl.
Dubbing the convict, Mr. Aniedi Mfon, as lacking conscience, Justice Blessing Egwu delivered the verdict.
Expressing concern, Justice Egwu highlighted the disturbing prevalence of child victimization in society.
Additionally, she ordered a fine of N1 million to be paid to the undisclosed survivor.
Reports indicated that parties involved in facilitating the prosecution included Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ededem Ani; Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), Barr. James Ibor; and the Prosecutor, Patience Emmanuel Akpama.
Addressing the situation, Barr. James Ibor disclosed that the survivor’s father faced intimidation and attempted bribes to drop the case, which he resisted.
He expressed gratitude towards the Commissioner of Police and his team, Attorney General Ededem Ani and his team, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative staff, and the survivor with her father for standing firm against coercion and bribery.