Cross River Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for S3xually Assaulting 10-Year-Old Girl
A High Court in Cross River State has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the court presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu.
The conviction was secured through the efforts of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-governmental organisation committed to protecting the rights of women and children.
Reacting to the judgment, the Principal Counsel of BRCI, James Ibor, Esq., commended all individuals and organisations who contributed to ensuring that the survivor received justice.
Ibor said the judgment reinforces the right of every child to live free from sexual violence, abuse and exploitation.
He also praised the Cross River State Government for its commitment to tackling sexual violence, while commending the Nigeria Police Force for its investigation and the state Attorney General, Ededem Ani, for pursuing the case despite the challenges involved.
The BRCI counsel further appreciated the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, and Mr. Joseph Apajung for their diligence and commitment to ensuring that the offender was held accountable.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the BRCI team for standing by the survivor and her family throughout the legal process.
Ibor equally recognised the contributions of civil society and development partners, including Safe Child Africa, ActionAid Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria, for their support in securing justice.
The judgment is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the protection of children and ensuring accountability for sexual violence.
Cross River Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for S3xually Assaulting 10-Year-Old Girl