A Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka has sentenced 23-year-old Michael Okoi to life imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl hawking Okpa at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.
Presiding Judge, Justice Peace Otti, found Okoi guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse, psychological abuse, and inflicting physical injury. The court ruled that the minor was incapable of giving consent under the law, regardless of the offender’s claims.
Anambra State Attorney General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, described the judgement as a strong message against gender-based violence. The Child Protection Network and FIDA also commended the ruling, calling it a victory for justice and deterrence.
