Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
A High Court sitting in Orerokpe, Delta State, has sentenced a 56-year-old man identified as Mr Collins to 60 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a nine-year-old child in 2023. The court also ordered him to pay ₦50 million in compensation to the victim.
The judgment, delivered on February 25, 2026, followed the conclusion of a trial arising from an incident that reportedly occurred in Ugolo, a community in Delta State. According to information presented during proceedings, the offence took place in 2023, prompting an investigation that eventually led to the arraignment of the defendant before the High Court.
During the trial, the prosecution laid out its case, presenting evidence and witness testimony which the court evaluated before reaching its verdict. After reviewing the submissions of both the prosecution and the defence, the presiding judge found Mr Collins guilty of the charge and proceeded to impose sentence.
In addition to the 60-year custodial sentence with hard labour, the court directed that the convict pay ₦50 million as compensation to the victim. The compensation order forms part of the judgment and is intended to address the harm suffered by the child.
The case also drew attention due to an allegation that surfaced during the proceedings. It was gathered that the convict allegedly attempted to bribe activist Israel Joe with ₦111,000 in an effort to have the matter dropped. According to reports, the offer was rejected. The money was subsequently handed over to the police in Orerokpe.
Israel Joe was said to have continued monitoring the case after rejecting the alleged bribe, maintaining involvement to ensure that the legal process was not compromised. The attempted inducement reportedly became known during the course of the case and contributed to public interest surrounding the trial.
The judgment brings to a close legal proceedings that have been ongoing since the incident was reported in 2023. Court observers noted that the case proceeded through the required stages of criminal adjudication before the final ruling was delivered.
Local radio stations announced the verdict on Wednesday morning, shortly after the decision became public. The announcement generated reactions within the community, with residents expressing relief that the matter had reached its conclusion.
While authorities have not released extensive public commentary beyond confirmation of the judgment, the outcome has been viewed by many as a significant development in the enforcement of laws protecting minors. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed in line with legal and ethical standards governing cases involving children.
With the pronouncement of the sentence and the compensation order, the High Court in Orerokpe has formally concluded the case, marking the end of proceedings related to the 2023 incident in Ugolo community.
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