Man Rapes 5-Year-Old Child In Cross River

Joshua Onoyom, a Nigerian man, has been found guilty of raping a 5-year-old child by a Family Court in Calabar, Cross River State.

Hon. Justice E.E. Ita, the sitting Judge of the Family Court, found Onoyom guilty on Thursday, July 22.

The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative played a vital role in securing the conviction.

Head of BRCI, Bar. James Ibor, confirmed the news in a statement, saying the convict will be sentenced on Friday, Jul. 23.

“Hon. Justice E.E Ita (of Calabar Family Court Judicial Division) has just convicted Joshua Onoyom for the rape of a 5year old Child. Sentencing is tomorrow Jul. 23. BRCI would like to appreciate the Judiciary, the Hon. Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, Blessing Egwu, Staff & Volunteers of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) and Child Protection Network for all your help,” the statement read.

Around 35% of women worldwide have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives. In most nations where data on rape is available, less than 40% of women who are victims of sexual violence seek aid. Only about ten percent seek help from law enforcement.

Exact rape counts are difficult to report since many women who encounter sexual violence rarely disclose or come forward about their experiences. While many countries have laws prohibiting sexual assault and violence, many are weak, inconsistent, and ineffective.

While most people hear about rape and sexual assault against women, males worldwide are subjected to sexual harassment, assault, and rape daily.

With 132.4 rape incidences per 100,000 people, South Africa has the highest rape rate in the world. According to a poll performed by the South African Medical Research Council, about one out of every four men admitted to rape. Although the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act in 2007 intended to update and strengthen all sexual violence laws, the rates of reported rape, sexual abuse of children, and domestic violence have continued to climb.

Many countries with high rates of rape must search for solutions that go beyond legislation. These nations must examine the fundamental, systemic dysfunction of their cultures and social norms, which have failed to prevent and continue to prevent sexual violence.