Two offenders jailed for 30 and 10 years as the state intensifies efforts to protect survivors and combat sexual violence

The Abia State Government has recorded a significant milestone in its campaign against sexual and gender-based violence after securing the convictions of two child sexual offenders, who were sentenced to 30 years and 10 years’ imprisonment in separate defilement cases.

Also read: Abia Police Arrest 2 Fake NDLEA Operatives Over Assault

The Abia Child Defilement Convictions, announced on Tuesday following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, were presented by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, as evidence of the administration’s determination to ensure offenders are brought to justice while strengthening protection for vulnerable residents.

One of the convicts, a 35-year-old man from Akwa Ibom State, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Family Court sitting at the High Court in Umuahia after being found guilty of defiling a five-year-old girl.

In a separate case, a 32-year-old man received a 30-year custodial sentence after being convicted of defiling a 13-year-old girl, marking one of the stiffest penalties secured through the state’s coordinated response to child sexual abuse.

Kanu said the convictions reflected the government’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual offences and should serve as a clear warning to perpetrators.

“The centre has continued to provide coordinated medical, psychosocial, and referral services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence,” Kanu said, referring to the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre located at the General Hospital, Aba.

The commissioner described the facility as one of the administration’s notable interventions, noting that beyond supporting survivors, it has become central to investigations and prosecutions involving sexual violence.

Kanu disclosed that the referral centre is currently handling two additional cases, including that of a 60-year-old woman allegedly subjected to gang rape and another involving a five-year-old child who survived defilement. The cases remain under investigation.

He added that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection continues to identify and assist vulnerable residents requiring urgent medical care and humanitarian support under the state’s broader social protection framework.

Offering further insight into one of the successful prosecutions, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, revealed that one of the convicted offenders fled to Nasarawa State after committing the offence but was traced, arrested and returned to Abia by the Nigeria Police Force to face trial.

Felix described the prosecution as “one of the fastest recorded within Nigeria’s network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres,” attributing the outcome to close collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Justice, Women Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation, alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

The commissioner also praised the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, for the command’s role in supporting investigations and ensuring the successful prosecution of sexual violence cases.

“The Governor Alex Otti-led administration remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual violence,” Felix said.

The convictions come amid increasing nationwide concern over sexual and gender-based violence, particularly offences involving children.

Across Nigeria, state governments have expanded Sexual Assault Referral Centres to provide survivors with immediate medical treatment, psychological care, legal referrals and evidence preservation, while improving coordination between health workers, investigators and prosecutors.

Although convictions in sexual offence cases have historically been difficult because of delays in investigations, inadequate forensic evidence and societal stigma that discourages reporting, Abia officials believe the latest outcomes demonstrate the impact of stronger institutional cooperation and survivor-centred support systems.

For survivors and advocacy groups, the prison terms represent more than successful prosecutions.

Also read: Spain Crush Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Dominant World Cup Win

They reinforce public confidence that coordinated action by healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies and the justice system can deliver meaningful accountability while encouraging more victims and families to seek help without fear.