A Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced 27-year-old final-year Mass Communication student, Wisdom Edem, to 25 years in prison over sexual offences involving a 10-year-old girl.
Drivetvnews gathered that Justice Peace Otti convicted Edem on three counts relating to rape, sexual abuse and causing injury to the child.
The prosecution, led by Principal State Counsel Chinelo Akorah, presented six witnesses and submitted evidence including the defendant’s statement and medical records.
According to the court proceedings, the child had been invited to the defendant’s residence under the pretext of participating in a comedy skit.
The defendant denied the allegations during his defence and attempted to claim that the child had consented. The court rejected the argument, emphasising that a child cannot legally give consent to such an act.
The judge found the prosecution’s evidence credible and held that the victim’s account was supported by other evidence presented during the trial.
The court further described the offence as deliberate and carefully planned.
Edem, who had been released on bail during the trial, was absent when judgment was delivered.
The judge subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be declared wanted.
He was also ordered to pay ₦200,000 as compensation for the physical injuries suffered by the victim.
