In a stern response to the alarming surge in rape cases, particularly in Cross River State, a 25-year-old man, Aniedi Mfon, has been handed a life sentence for the heinous act of defiling an eight-year-old girl, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons
Presiding over Family Court 2 of the High Court in Calabar, Honorable Justice Blessing Egwu expressed profound concern over the escalating rate of rape incidents. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, sentenced Aniedi to life imprisonment for the crime committed on September 27, 2022.
Additionally, the court imposed a one million Naira fine, which is to be awarded to the survivor.
The legal proceedings were initiated by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a nonprofit organization committed to combating rape, witchcraft branding, human rights abuses, and other forms of repression.
BRCI hailed the verdict as a triumph of justice, commending the survivor and her family for their unwavering resolve in the face of bribery attempts and intimidation tactics during the pursuit of justice.
Acknowledgment was extended to the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, under the leadership of CP Gyogon Grimah, for their role in the investigation.
Furthermore, accolades were given to State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, Principal Counsel at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, Barrister James Ibor, and the BRCI team, including Prosecutor Patience Emmanuel Akpama, for their steadfast dedication throughout the legal proceedings.
This landmark conviction follows closely on the heels of another significant victory in the fight against rape, where justice was served for a 10-year-old survivor in the Cross River State Northern Senatorial district less than two months ago.
In response to the alarming increase in rape cases in Cross River State, Aniedi Mfon, a 25-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl on September 27, 2022. The Family Court 2 of the High Court in Calabar, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu, handed down the sentence on May 7, 2024, along with a one million Naira fine awarded to the survivor.
The case was brought forward by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a nonprofit focused on combatting human rights abuses. BRCI praised the survivor's family for their resilience against bribery and intimidation and acknowledged the support from the Cross River State Police Command and its Commissioner, CP Gyogon Grimah. Additionally, they commended contributions from State Attorney General Ededem Ani, Principal Counsel James Ibor, Prosecutor Patience Emmanuel Akpama, and the BRCI team.
This conviction is part of a broader crackdown on sexual violence in the state and follows another recent case where justice was served for a 10-year-old survivor.
