Court Sentences Four Men for Gang-Rape of Minor
A Senior Magistrate's Court in Minna, Niger State, has sentenced four individuals to a cumulative 95 years in prison for gang-raping and impregnating a 13-year-old girl in 2023. The convicts—Salisu Baura, Lawali Shaibu, Haruna Musa, and Saidu Bello—all from Kontagora town, allegedly took turns sexually abusing the minor under threat, after which they gave her N1,400.
Arrest and Prosecution
They were arrested by operatives of the Kontagora Divisional Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and brought to the state command headquarters for prosecution. During the trial, the prosecutor called three witnesses: the victim, her father, and the investigating NSCDC officer. Five exhibits were tendered, including the convicts' video and written statements, the victim's statement, the medical report confirming penetration, and a voice recording of the convicts.
Magistrate's Ruling
In her judgment, Magistrate Christy Barau described the convicts' actions as animalistic and heartless. She noted that while they had earlier admitted to their offenses, the court entered a plea of not guilty to allow a full trial and ensure appropriate punishment. “The act of these convicts is animalistic, inhuman and heartless. The court will not be fair to the victim if appropriate punishment is not served on them to serve as a deterrent to others,” she said.
The first, second, and third convicts were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and five years for the offense of joint act. The fourth convict, who is at large, was sentenced to 20 years for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child. The sentences will run consecutively, totaling 95 years.
Defense and Reaction
Defense counsel Mohammed Lemu pleaded for mercy, citing the convicts' remorse throughout the trial. However, Magistrate Barau emphasized that the case of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child is serious, especially as rape incidents are increasing. The convicts were unable to enter their defenses due to the overwhelming evidence.
Reacting to the ruling, NSCDC Niger State Command spokesman Mohammad Mute thanked the court, stating that the command had long awaited the judgment. The case was prosecuted under Section 97 of the Penal Code and Section 26(1) of the Child Rights Law of Niger State.
