Man jailed seven years for defiling 10-year-old girl in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court has sentenced Jerry Njoku, 25, to seven years imprisonment with hard labor for the defilement of a 10-year-old girl. The court, sitting in Port Harcourt, also mandated that Njoku pay N5 million to the victim's family for her upkeep.

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Well, it’s an offence of defilement and the court today gave a judgment that is so overwhelming.

Justice Rita Oguguo, the trial judge, stated that the prosecution had successfully proven the case against Njoku. The sentence will run concurrently with the fine. The prosecution counsel, Precious Ordu, a Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, hailed the judgment as a "welcome development" and a victory for justice.

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I’m sure both the state, the defendant, and the victim have also benefited from the judgment.

Ordu expressed confidence that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to individuals contemplating similar offenses. "I'm sure both the state, the defendant, and the victim have also benefited from the judgment," Ordu stated. "The court gave a seven-year sentence to the defendant with hard labour and a fine of N5 million to be paid to the victim’s family for the upkeep of the girl, the victim herself."

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The court gave a seven-year sentence to the defendant with hard labour and a fine of N5 million to be paid to the victim’s family for the upkeep of the girl, the victim herself.

The defense counsel declined to comment on the ruling. The conviction and sentencing aim to provide justice for the victim and deter future crimes against minors.

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It is a welcome development that at least those who have the intention of defiling minors will also sit up and control their urge.