Nosa Musoe, the Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) of the Magistrates’ Court in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, sentenced one Dele Eric to 14 years in prison without the option of a fine after being found guilty of rape, assault, and conspiracy under the Edo State Criminal Code Law.
Eric and three others (two of whom are still at large) were accused of inflicting machete wounds on their victim when she opposed them at Ikpeshi.
Eric was also accused of masturbating and ejaculating in the victim’s face and mouth, who is reported to be disabled.
He was sentenced last Friday after being arraigned on charge no MIG/23/2020 and prosecuted by Inspector Obaze Samuel of the Nigerian Police’s Igarra Area Command.
However, one of the suspects is reported to be mentally ill and so unable to stand trial.
According to Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director of the BraveHeart Initiative, which provided support for the case, they were pleased with the decision and are motivated to continue facilitating justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to him, “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.”
She stated that BHI received money from the Open Society Foundations-Africa (OSIWA-OSF) and the MacArthur Foundation.
“A total of 30 court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, lgarra,” she stated. Despite the glacial pace, our crew remained fiercely enthusiastic, resilient, and hopeful that justice would be served.
“We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and assistance to survivors in accessing essential services in the face of several limitations imposed by Edo State’s rigid COVID-19 protocols.” Despite the health dangers and security concerns during the epidemic, our team of committed caseworkers demonstrated extraordinary solidarity with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Edo State’s remote villages.
“BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI) is a youth-led, feminist non-governmental organization promoting young people’s sexual reproductive health and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.”