A 32-year-old man, Akaninyene Sunday Ekwere, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Ikot Ibritam, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, for the rape of a 4-year-old girl.
Ekwere, who sells engine oil, electrical appliances, and recharge cards, reportedly lured the young girl to his shop, where he committed the heinous act.
The mother of the victim discovered bruises on her daughter’s private parts while bathing her, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
In his confession, Ekwere admitted to inviting the minor to his shop, where he applied vaseline oil to her private parts before raping her.
Justice Nkereuwem Obot, in delivering the judgment, emphasized the danger Ekwere poses to society, stating that he did not deserve to live among law-abiding citizens. Consequently, Ekwere was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Despite Ekwere’s plea for mercy, citing his marital status, the court upheld the severity of the crime, especially under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Laws, 2020, which mandates life imprisonment for rape offenders. Additionally, Ekwere’s name will be entered into the registrar of sex offenders in the state.
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