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Itode Akari
Port Harcourt – A Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a 75-year-old man, identified as Promise Chukwumatti to 10 years imprisonment over the defilement of an 11 year-old girl.
The court presided over by Justice Rita Oguaguo also ordered that the convict pay the sum of N1 million to the family of the victim as compensation and enter his name into the Rivers State register of convicted sex offenders.
The convict was arraigned on one-count of defilement.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the trial judge held that the prosecution proved the charge against the convict beyond reasonable doubt following oral testimony, confessional statement and other evidences tendered before the court.
The court said that the convict repeatedly lured the victim with small sums of money into his apartment, where he had unlawful sexual intercourse with her on several occasions.
Justice Oguaguo agreed with the submissions of the prosecuting counsel, Precious Ordu of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, holding that the evidence presented before the court clearly established the convict’s guilt.
The judge acknowledged the convict’s plea for leniency but stated that defilement is an offence punishable by life imprisonment under the law. Nonetheless, the court exercised judicial discretion and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment, having considered the welfare of his children, who were reportedly without their mother.
Describing the convict as “a shame to fatherhood,” Justice Oguaguo further issued a restraining order prohibiting convict and members of his family from approaching, contacting or harassing the victim and her family.
When approached outside the courtroom, counsel for the convict declined to comment on the judgment.
Meanwhile, the prosecuting counsel, Precious Ordu, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for justice and a strong warning to perpetrators of sexual offences.
He said the conviction underscores the commitment of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice to ensuring accountability for crimes against vulnerable persons and expressed confidence that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar offences.
