Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison, 20 Strokes for Ab¥sing Neighbour’s 10-Year-Old Daughter in Niger State
- Aliyu Bala has been sentenced to 13 years in prison, 20 strokes of the cane and a ₦250,000 compensation payment after being convicted of s+xually ab¥sing his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State.
- The judgment and public flogging have generated mixed reactions online, with Nigerians debating whether the punishment is sufficient for such an offence.
A man identified as Aliyu Bala has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and 20 strokes of the cane after he was convicted of s+xually ab¥sing his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State.
The court also ordered Bala to pay ₦250,000 as compensation to the victim.
Following the judgment, the convict was taken to the Hakimi Palace in Bosso, where he was publicly flogged in the presence of members of the community.
The Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Ummul-Kalthume Muhammad, described the development as an unprecedented move and stressed that the state government would not tolerate s+xual offences against children.
She explained that the public enforcement was intended to send a strong message to individuals who believe they can ab¥se children and escape justice.
Muhammad also urged communities to stop shielding or concealing individuals accused of committing offences against children and encouraged people to report such cases to the appropriate authorities.
A representative of the Niger State Ministry of Justice, Shafa, described the judgment as a significant development that could serve as a precedent in the handling of similar cases.
According to her, the victim’s mother initially considered withdrawing the case but later allowed the legal proceedings to continue after recognising the importance of seeking justice for her daughter and ensuring that the accused was held accountable.
The judgment has sparked reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the length of the prison sentence and others calling for tougher punishment for offences involving children.
Adakole Idoko wrote: “Sometimes Ade wonder where una dy get una own news from”
Enejo Elix reacted: “What….. Person wey wuna go send meet him maker”
Pat Ty wrote: “Just 20 strokes ,una never serious”
Lyca Cyclone Ibile commented: “He got that idea for sharia paw and Quran”
Nigerians Ruin Everything asked: “What happened to life in prison?”
Abbas Nasir Onoruóyiza wrote: “Only 13 years?”
Mario Airwave said: “that kontri call 9ja is a mess”
Pk Rwamz simply reacted: “Hmmm”
