An NGO, BraveHeart Initiative (BHI), says it has secured a five-year jail term against a 55 years old man, Frederick Agbozuadu for sexually violating an eight-year old girl.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday, in Auchi, by Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director, BHI.
Usiobafo explained that Agbozuadu had carried out the act in Egbigere community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo in 2019.
She, however, said that the man was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment without option of fine on Feb. 9, by Chief Magistrate Nosa Musoe of the Magistrate Court, Igarra, Akoko Edo Council Area of the state.
According to her, the conviction brings to rest a four-year struggle for justice by the BraveHeart Initiative’s team.
“BraveHeart Initiative began intervention in the case on Dec 10, 2019 and facilitated the arraignment on Dec. 19 2019.
“With funding support from OSIWA-OSF, BraveHeart iInitiative team provided comprehensive services, including paralegal aid, psychosocial support, counselling, as well as medicals.
“The organisation also rendered economic assistance to the survivor and her family as well as Covid relief fund.
“This is a well deserved victory for the girl child in Akoko Edo, especially considering the intrigues of this particular case.
“The court verdict is a succinct message of the zero tolerance stance by the current Government of Edo against sexual violation of children.
“It is hoped that this judgment checkmates the impunity of sexual predators and child molesters in Edo” Usiobaifo said.
The BHI executive director also disclosed that the organisation, as at February, had facilitated court conviction of 28 sex offenders in 25 sexual assault cases.
“Sexual predators and molesters will no longer go unpunished in Edo; we strongly encourage girls in rural communities to speak out against sex offenders to check this menace.
“Huge congratulations to the BHI team for fighting this to a reasonable end, justice may be delayed, but not denied.
BHI for youth and women, is a youth led feminist Non Governmental Organisation, promoting young people’s sexual reproductive health and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.
The organisation is one of Nigeria’s leading non profits dedicated to responding to sexual, gender based violence (SGBV) and advocating for SGBV reforms.