A child rights group,Rhema Care Integrated Development Centre has commended the judgement by Chief Magistrate Court in PortHarcourt,presided over by Chief Magistrate Dr(Mrs) Rita Oguguo for sentencing Mr Anayo Ugo, 42 year old Man to seven years imprisonment without option of fine for defiling and impregnating 12 year old in 2021 at Oyigbo,in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers state.
Rhema Care which took up the matter and petitioned the Rivers Commissioner of Police after a complaint by the mother of the victim welcomed the judgement delivered by the court on Tuesday 23,January,2024.
Executive Director of Rhema Care Integrated Development Centre,Mrs Kelechi E.Okoroji described the court’s decision as a significant victory for the Child Rights Act and a strong message against perpetrators of child sexual abuse in the society.
Mrs Okoroji said
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the judiciary for their commitment to upholding the rights of our children and ensuring that justice is served.
“The severity of the sentence handed down to Anayo Ugo reflects the heinous nature of his crime and sends a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated.
“This landmark ruling serves as a reminder that child protection should be a top priority for our society. We, therefore, urge the public to remain vigilant in safeguarding their girl children and children in general from any form of abuse.
” It is crucial to create awareness about child rights, educate our communities on child protection strategies, and encourage reporting of any suspicious or illicit activities involving minors.
“Rhema Care Integrated Development Centre remains resolute in our mission to fight for the rights and well-being of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or have suffered abuse.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to promote a safe and secure environment for all children, and collaborate with government agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“We believe that every child deserves a future free from harm, and together, we can ensure their protection and create a society where their rights are respected and upheld”
Valentina Abaraonye Esq counsel holding watching brief for the victim on behalf of Rhema Care said justice has been served on the matter.
Abaraonye said “during the prosecution of the matter we called witnesses,that is basically the Medical Doctor,IPO who investigated the matter,the mother of the victim,as well as the victim.
“The defendant during the prosecution was not able to call any other witness,he was just his key witness on the matter. Today we can strongly beat our chest and say justice has been done because the defendant has been sent to prison for seven years without an option of fine”.
Mr Anayo Ugo had in 2021 visited the home of the underage girl in Oyigbo, Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state to carry out maintenance on their generator after he was called by the father of the victim.
The convict,however took advantage of the absence of the victim’s parents and defiled the minor.
The victim later got pregnant as a result of the defilement.The defendant also threatened to kill the victim if she tells anyone.
Mr Ugo was arrested on January 7,2022 following a petition by Rhema Care To Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
He was subsequently arraigned in court on February 7,2022.
The presiding Chief Magistrate Dr.Rita Oguguo in her ruling said the prosecution team was able to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
Dr.Oguguo convicted and sentenced the mechanic to seven years imprisonment without option of fine.