Awka, Anambra State — A Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at the High Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 27-year-old final-year Mass Communication student, Wisdom Edem, to a total of 35 years in prison for offences involving the rape and sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl.
Justice Peace Otti, in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, found Edem guilty on three counts in Charge No. A/3C/2024: The State v. Wisdom Edem.
The court sentenced him to 25 years’ imprisonment for rape, five years for sexual abuse and exploitation, and another five years for inflicting physical injury.
The charges were brought under the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, Anambra State, 2017.
According to the prosecution, the defendant lured the 10-year-old girl to his residence under the pretext of participating in a comedy skit before sexually assaulting her.
The prosecution, led by Principal State Counsel of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, Chinelo Akorah, called six witnesses and tendered documentary evidence, including the defendant’s confessional statement and a medical report.
The court heard that the victim had previously participated in skits with the defendant and others and therefore went to his residence with her younger sister after being invited.
The prosecution told the court that the defendant subsequently separated the girl from her younger sister and assaulted her.
A medical doctor who examined the victim on the day of the incident also testified and confirmed that she had sustained injuries.
During his defence, Edem denied the allegations and claimed that the girl had initiated the sexual encounter. He further claimed that she had told him she was older.
The court rejected the defence, stressing that a child of the victim’s age cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
Justice Otti held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt through the victim’s testimony, medical evidence, other witnesses and the defendant’s own confessional statement.
The judge described the offence as deliberate and carefully planned, particularly given the defendant’s conduct in separating the child from her younger sister.
Edem, who had been granted bail during the trial, was reportedly absent from court when judgment was delivered.
The court consequently ordered his immediate arrest and issued a bench warrant, directing that he be declared wanted and that his photographs be circulated to law-enforcement agencies and the public.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the defendant to pay ₦200,000 in compensation to the victim for the physical injury suffered.
The court also directed the defendant’s university not to issue him a certificate until he completes his prison sentence.
The prosecution counsel and representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) were commended for their efforts in securing the conviction.
The judgment underscores the state’s position against sexual and gender-based violence and reinforces the legal protection afforded to children against sexual exploitation and abuse.
