By Uchendu Ejiowhor
A Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to 10 years imprisonment without the option of a fine after finding him guilty of defiling an 11-year-old girl.
The court also ordered the convict to pay N1 million as compensation to the victim’s family and directed that his name be entered into the Rivers State register of convicted sex offenders.
Justice Rita Oguoguo, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt through oral testimony, the defendant’s confessional statement and other evidence tendered before the court.
The court heard that Chukwumatti had repeatedly lured the victim with money while she was on her way to school before taking her to his apartment, where he had unlawful sexual intercourse with her on several occasions.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel, Precious Ordu, of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, argued that the evidence before the court clearly established the guilt of the defendant. Justice Oguoguo agreed with the prosecution’s submissions and convicted the defendant accordingly.
Although the convict pleaded with the court for leniency, Justice Oguoguo observed that the offence of defilement attracts life imprisonment under the law. She, however, said the court exercised its discretion by imposing a 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine after considering the welfare of the convict’s children, who are without a mother.
The judge described Chukwumatti as “a shame to fatherhood” and issued a restraining order prohibiting him and members of his family from having any contact with the victim or her family.
Reacting to the judgment, the prosecution counsel, Precious Ordu, welcomed the verdict, saying it would serve as a deterrent to persons who engage in sexual offences against children. Counsel to the convict declined to comment on the judgment.
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