20-year-old Benue man sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for raping nine year old girl

By Johnson Arua

A Gboko High Court presided over by Justice James Ayua has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Saater Zungwenen to 19 years imprisonment for raping a nine year old girl.

Justice Ayua also ordered convict to pay the sum of N433,300 to the victim for her medical expenses.

The presiding Judge found the convict guilty of the offence of rape contrary to Section 3(3) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2019.

Prosecution told the court that on September 23, 2024 the nine year old victim went to Gbem Market to meet her father but could not find him.

On her way back home, the defendant approached her on his motorcycle and offered her a ride, which she accepted.

"Instead of taking her home, the defendant drove to a lonely spot, forcibly pushed her down, and defiled her despite her cries and resistance. The victim spent the night at a neighbour's compound and was taken to her parents the following day, after which the matter was reported to the police," he said.

Hw disclosed that the victim was taken to Bemdoo Clinic, where medical examination confirmed penetration and tearing of her vagina and anus, resulting in severe bleeding.

She was subsequently referred to Sublime Specialist Clinic, Gboko, and later to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where she underwent surgical treatment for third-degree perinea tear.

In court, the Defendant through his Counsel, Gideon Okegbu, advanced the defence of involuntary intoxication. However, the court held that the defendant voluntarily consumed alcohol and was conscious of his actions.