Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to ten years imprisonment without the option of a fine for defiling an 11-year-old girl, in a case that has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stricter protection of minors against sexual abuse. Justice Rita Oguguo, delivering the judgment on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, held that the prosecution had proved the one-count charge of defilement beyond reasonable doubt through oral testimony, a confessional statement, and other documentary evidence presented before the court. The court heard that Chukwumatti repeatedly had carnal knowledge of the minor in his apartment after luring her with sums of money while she was on her way to or from school.
Justice Oguguo noted that the offence ordinarily attracts life imprisonment but said the court took into consideration the fact that the convict's children are motherless before opting for a ten-year term without the option of a fine. Despite this leniency, the judge described Chukwumatti as "a shame to fatherhood". In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Chukwumatti to pay N1 million to the victim's family as compensation. The court also directed that his name be entered into the Rivers State Sex Offenders' Register and issued a restraining order barring him and his family from approaching the victim's family.
The prosecution was led by Chief State Counsel Precious Ordu of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, who welcomed the verdict, describing it as a strong deterrent to would-be child defilers. "It is a good judgment; I will take it in good faith. Justice has finally been served," Ordu said, adding that the judgment would discourage others from committing the offence of defilement. Counsel to the convict declined to comment on the judgment. The case has highlighted the persistent challenge of child sexual abuse in Nigeria, with the Rivers State Government having previously launched a Sexual Assault Referral Centre to support survivors. Justice Oguguo's ruling sends a clear message that sexual offences against minors will be met with severe consequences, regardless of the offender's age.
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