A Rivers State Family Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Promise Chukwumatti to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine after convicting him of raping an 11-year-old girl, in a judgment that also ordered him to pay ₦1 million in compensation to the survivor’s family. The judgment, delivered by Justice Rita Oguguo, found Chukwumatti guilty after the prosecution established the charge beyond reasonable doubt through witness testimony, his confessional statement and other evidence presented before the court.
According to the prosecution, Chukwumatti lured the child with money while she was on her way to school before sexually abusing her in his apartment. The court accepted the evidence presented and entered a conviction. Without the option of a fine, Justice Oguguo noted that the offence ordinarily attracts life imprisonment under the law.
However, the court imposed a 10-year prison sentence after considering that the convict’s children had already lost their mother. The sentence comes without the option of a fine. The court also ordered that Chukwumatti’s name be entered into the Rivers State register of rapists and issued a restraining order prohibiting him and members of his family from approaching or contacting the survivor and her family. In addition, Justice Oguguo directed Chukwumatti to pay ₦1 million in compensation to the survivor’s family.
Describing the convict as “a shame to fatherhood,” Justice Oguguo said the evidence before the court left no reasonable doubt about his guilt. The prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a significant step towards accountability for sexual violence against children. Ordu said the conviction should send a strong message to anyone who commits or contemplates similar offences that such crimes carry serious legal consequences.
Child abuse remains a growing concern in Nigeria. Naija Feminists Media has reported similar issues here and here. Convictions in child sexual abuse cases remain relatively rare despite the number of incidents reported across Nigeria. However, each successful prosecution is significant, not only because it holds an offender accountable but because it can encourage other survivors and their families to seek justice. For the 11-year-old survivor, the judgment cannot undo what happened. But it does represent accountability through the courts. As conversations around violence against women and girls continue across Nigeria, ensuring that children who experience sexual abuse can safely report, be heard and obtain justice remains just as important as securing convictions.
