A 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment without the option of a fine by a Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt for defiling an 11-year-old girl. The judgment was delivered on July 15, 2026, by Justice Rita Oguguo.
Court finds prosecution case proven beyond doubt
Justice Oguguo ruled that the prosecution had established the single count of defilement beyond reasonable doubt, relying on oral testimony, the defendant's confessional statement, and other evidence presented during the trial. The court heard that Chukwumatti lured the minor with small amounts of money, typically ₦200, as she travelled to and from school, and then repeatedly had carnal knowledge of her in his apartment.
Judge criticises convict, imposes compensation
In her judgment, Justice Oguguo described Chukwumatti as “a shame to fatherhood” and noted that while the offence ordinarily attracts life imprisonment, the court considered that the convict’s children are motherless before imposing a ten-year term without a fine option. The judge also ordered that Chukwumatti’s name be entered into the Rivers State register of rapists and issued a restraining order barring him and his family from approaching the victim’s family. Additionally, the court directed Chukwumatti to pay ₦1 million to the victim’s family as compensation.
Prosecutor welcomes verdict as deterrent
The prosecution was led by the Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu. Ordu welcomed the verdict, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar offences.
