TheCable

A magistrate court in Edo state has sentenced one Dele Eric to 14 years in prison for rape.

BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), announced the judgement in a statement on Monday.

The organisation said the case involved a young woman with a disability who was physically and sexually assaulted by four young men in the Ikpeshi community, Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo.

The NGO said the perpetrators inflicted machete wounds on the victim’s body when she resisted the assault.

“The verdict was given on 24th November 2023 by Nosa Musoe – Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) of the Magistrate Court, Igarra, Akoko- Edo LGA, Edo State,” the statement reads.

“After being found guilty on a multiple counts charge of rape, assault, conspiracy as applicable in the Criminal Code Law of Edo State, Dele Eric was sentenced to 14 calendar years imprisonment without an option of fine.

“The conviction brings to rest a thirty-four-month struggle for justice by the BraveHeart Initiative’s Team.”

The organisation said funding support for pursuing the court case was obtained from Open Society Foundations-Africa (OSIWA-OSF) and the MacArthur Foundation.

“BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) began an intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020, and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020,” the statement reads.

“Commissioner of Police vs Momodu Fatai, Dele Eric case with Charge No MIG/23c/2020 was prosecuted by Inspector Obeze Samuel of the Igarra Area Command.

“We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and support to the survivor to access essential services in the face of the several limitations from the rigid COVID-19 protocols in Edo State.

“Our profound gratitude to the Open Society Foundation (OSIWA-OSF) for the funds used for case investigation and court prosecution, as well as the MacArthur Foundation, whose financial support ensured the continuation and finalization of this case.

“The BraveHeart Initiative’s team welcome the verdict and remains resolute, steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to facilitating justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.”