In a significant legal triumph, the bell of justice has rung in favor of a rape survivor in Northern Cross River, Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against sexual violence.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a dedicated non-profit organization tackling human rights abuses, including cases of rape and witchcraft accusation, has successfully secured justice for the survivor, whose identity is withheld for safety reasons. The incident occurred in Obubra Local Government Area of the State.
The perpetrator, identified as Mr. Ernest Odong Oyira, believed to be in his 40s, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence. However, through a plea bargain, the execution of his sentence has been suspended under stringent conditions.
As part of the sentencing, Oyira is obligated to compensate the victim’s mother with 300,000 Naira in damages. Moreover, strict prohibitions have been imposed on him, including a ban on custody of any female child and supervised interaction with children outside his immediate family. He is also barred from employment in institutions catering to children.
The survivor, a 10-year-old girl, is the niece of the perpetrator and was only 8 years old at the time of the assault.
BRCI swiftly intervened in the case two years ago, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable.
In addition to the legal repercussions, Oyira will serve the community as part of his plea agreement. Over the next six months, he will be tasked with cleaning the village market and ensuring proper waste disposal. Subsequently, for a year, he will maintain the cleanliness of the Obubra High Court premises by undertaking tasks such as weeding grass.
Any breach of the stipulated conditions will lead to the immediate reinstatement of Oyira’s suspended sentence, reverting to the original 14-year imprisonment term.
The verdict sends a resounding message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable, reinforcing BRCI’s commitment to seeking justice and safeguarding the vulnerable.
“In delivering this verdict, we affirm our unwavering dedication to seeking justice and protecting the rights of the vulnerable,” stated BRCI, underscoring the organization’s steadfast resolve in combating sexual violence and advocating for the rights of survivors.
In a significant legal victory, justice has been served for a rape survivor in Northern Cross River, Nigeria. The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) secured a 14-year prison sentence for the perpetrator, Mr. Ernest Odong Oyira, although the sentence is suspended under stringent conditions due to a plea bargain. Oyira must compensate the victim’s family with 300,000 Naira and faces strict restrictions on his interactions with children. He is barred from employment in child institutions and must engage in community service, including cleaning the village market and maintaining the Obubra High Court premises.
This case highlights BRCI’s dedication to fighting sexual violence and protecting the vulnerable. The ruling sends a strong message that such crimes will be met with accountability, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to justice.
