A 32- year-old barber, Ofonime Augustine Etim, has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for defiling a 12 year-old girl in Ikot Obong Otoro, Abak local government area of Akwa Ibom state.
Ofonime, a native of Abama village in Akara local government area, was sentenced Thursday by Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene.
The charge stemmed from an incident that occurred on Wednesday, 10th May, 2023, when the convict was accused of having unlawful carnal knowledge with the minor.
The victim was reported missing for several days before being found with physical injuries and blood-stained clothing.
During the trial, the prosecution from the Ministry of Justice called three witnesses, including the Investigating Police Officer and a medical doctor and tendered documentary evidence.
Key evidence included testimony by a Consultant Gynecologist, who testified to finding a 2cm deep vaginal wall laceration and multiple bruises, confirming forceful penetration on the minor
The Investigating Police Officer, PW1 also testified that the victim was abducted and taken to a residence where the convict committed the act.
The victim’s elder sister also testified that the girl had gone missing for days before she was later found and taken to hospital for treatment.
The presiding judge, Justice Augustine D. Odokwo, in his judgement, found Ofonime guilty of a one-count charge of defilement, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
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