An Edo state High Court sitting in Auchi has sentenced a 20-years-old man Sufiyan Ahmed, to 21 years in the correctional centre for sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl identified as Umuaiman Suleman.
The offence was committed in Egbetua Quarters in Ososo, Akoko-Edo local government area on April 21st 2019.
Delivering the judgment on a two count charge of defilement and murder, Justice Philip Imoedemhe said that all the evidences tendered in court had convinced the court beyond a reasonable doubt that the convict was guilty of the offence.
He said “The evidence before me shows the defendant is guilty as charged and convicted to 21-years-old in prison,” and ordered that the convict be taken to the Auchi correctional center to serve his jail term.
The Prosecutor, Lauretta Asaka told the court that the offence
Reacting to the judgment an uncle to the victim, Yakubu Tijani said “I am so very grateful on the success of this case which has finally gotten justice today.”
Also, a statement by Executive Director, Brave Heart Initiative, Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo, welcomed the judgment saying “The conviction brings to rest a three-year struggle for justice for Umuaiman Suleman – a girl that was gruesomely assaulted and murdered.”
She said “BraveHeart Initiative’s efforts in strengthening the criminal justice system in Edo State have so far led to the successful conviction of Twenty-Three (23) Sex Offenders.
“As of April 2022, the organisation has completed twenty five SGBV cases in court. Twenty-Two (22) victories have been recorded and three (3) cases lost.” She said.
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