Nigerian Mercilessly Rapes 5-Year-Old To Death, Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

A 21-year-old man from Nigeria was sentenced to 10 years in prison after reportedly raping a 5-year-old girl to death at the Akede community in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the state in 2016.

The man, identified as Timiondu Jephtath, allegedly dumped the lifeless body of the child in an abandoned fish pond close to his residence. Jephthah was only 16-years-old at the time of the incident.

The defense made sure to retrieve the body of the girl. Lawyer and Gender Advocate Dame Pamosoo led the recovery of the minor’s body after which an autopsy was conducted by the police.

The presiding judge, Justice E.G Omukoro in his ruling declared that the charge is changed into manslaughter due to the inability of the prosecution to prove the intent to commit murder. All this was part of the suit numbered SHC/4C/2016. This includes a one-count charge of murder brought against the accused by the State Ministry of Justice.

The court was aware of the defense’s plea of allocutus. Considering Jephtath was still a minor at that time, Judge Omukoro ordered the defendant be detained at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa or anywhere that the governor may decide for 10 years or at the pleasure of the state.

Acting Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Ebimietei Ekeowei Ottah considered the verdict a win in the fight against victims of rape, defilement and violence against women in the region.

"It has been a worrisome practice in Bayelsa State and more worrisome are the issue of negotiation with culprits by parents of victims of defilement or rape. It can no longer be tolerated or swept under the carpet as settlement. We call on parents, teachers, neighbours and guardians to be vigilant and speak out against cases of rape, defilement and violence against women in the state," Ottah stated.