Delta Court Sentences 59-Year-Old Man to 60 Years for Raping 9-Year-Old Girl
Man Gets 60 Years for Raping 9-Year-Old in Delta

Delta Court Sentences 59-Year-Old Man to 60 Years for Raping 9-Year-Old Girl

A Delta State High Court has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing 59-year-old Collins to 60 years imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 9-year-old girl. The conviction, announced on Monday, February 23, 2026, marks a significant victory in the fight against child sexual abuse in Nigeria.

Details of the Crime and Investigation

The horrific incident occurred in 2023 within the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. Human rights activist Comrade Israel Joe, who played a crucial role in the case, revealed that the convict attempted to bribe both him and the victim's family to settle the matter outside the legal system.

Collins offered N111,000 as a bribe during a meeting at Lawfab Hotels in Osubi on January 8, 2023. He admitted to defiling the young girl but claimed it happened only once, refusing to acknowledge further assaults. Unbeknownst to him, Joe had coordinated with the police to ensure his arrest.

The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Acting on a tip from Joe, the then Divisional Police Officer of Orerokpe, CSP Ojo, mobilized plainclothes officers to the location. Collins was apprehended after handing over the bribe money, which was subsequently documented as evidence.

The case was charged to court, where Collins was initially remanded in prison before being granted bail. After a thorough legal process, justice was finally served with the court's decisive ruling.

Court Judgment and Penalties

In addition to the 60-year prison sentence, the judge issued several stringent orders:

  • Payment of N50 million compensation to the victim for the trauma and suffering endured.
  • Forfeiture of the N111,000 bribe money, which must be paid into the Delta State treasury within 24 hours.
  • The judge emphasized that this sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate similar crimes.

Acknowledgments and Reactions

Comrade Israel Joe expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice. He also commended the state counsel, Barr. Phoebian Onomakpome, and the Investigating Police Officer, Cpl. Bright Mgbomene, for their dedication to the case.

This ruling underscores the importance of community vigilance and legal perseverance in combating sexual violence against children. It sends a clear message that such heinous acts will be met with the full force of the law.