A 25-year-old man, Aniedi Mfon has bagged a life sentence over the defilement of an 8-year-old girl in Calabar, Cross River State.

Justice Blessing Egwu, presiding over Family Court 2 of the High Court, Calabar, sentenced Aniedi to prison on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, after he was found guilty of the crime committed on 27 September 2022.

Delivering her judgement, Justice Egwu lamented the high prevalence of r*pe.

The court awarded the sum of one (1) million Naira fine in favor of the survivor.

The case was fought by Basic Rights Council Initiative (BRCI) a non-profit organization focused on fighting rape, witchcraft branding, human rights abuse, and other repressive practices.

Reacting to the judgment, the Principal Counsel for BRIC, Barrister James Ibor, thanked the Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, led by CP Gyogon Grimah.

Ibor said the judgment is a justice that prevailed and a victory for the survivor and her family who courageously resisted bribery and intimidation throughout the pursuit of justice.

He also applauded are the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, the BRCI team, and Prosecutor; Patience Emmanuel Akpama for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.