Anambra: Man Receives 10-Year Sentence for Defiling Nine-year Old Daughter

A recent verdict delivered by the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court, held at the High Court, Awka, Anambra State, has resulted in the sentencing of Kenneth Nwangu, a middle-aged man, to a decade behind bars. This judgment stems from Nwangu’s reprehensible act of assaulting his nine-year-old daughter, his only child.

The court found Nwangu guilty on three counts, following charges brought against him by the state government. Notably, compelling evidence supported the prosecution’s case.

For the first count, which involved engaging in sexual activity with a minor, Nwangu received a seven-year prison term, as dictated by Section 34 of the Child Rights Law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2004.

Additionally, Nwangu was handed a two-year sentence for causing physical harm to the victim, and a one-year term for inflicting emotional and psychological trauma upon her. These latter offenses are punishable under Sections 4 and 16 of the Violence Against Persons, Prohibition and Protection Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2017.

Throughout the trial, the court considered testimonies from prosecution witnesses, including the victim herself. Furthermore, it acknowledged evidence demonstrating Nwangu’s role in caring for the child since the departure of her mother approximately a year prior to the incident.

Despite being given an opportunity to justify his actions, Nwangu initially denied the allegations, attributing them to a woman whom he entrusted with his daughter’s care after his spouse’s departure. However, he later confessed to the crimes, appealing for leniency. His defense counsel echoed this plea, citing his status as a first-time offender and his paternal relationship with the victim.

The court ultimately decreed that Nwangu serve his respective sentences concurrently. Furthermore, it entrusted the care of the victim to the Anambra State Government.

In response to the verdict, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, lauded the judgment as a crucial step in curbing such offenses. She emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating sexual violence, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards such abhorrent acts.