A High Court in Calabar has sentenced a 46-year-old man, Imeh Sunday, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping his daughter in a case that has drawn strong reactions from child rights advocates.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu of Family Court 2 in Cross River State, followed a full trial in which the court concluded that the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The case was prosecuted by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, a non-governmental organisation known for advocating for the protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
In her ruling, Justice Egwu described the evidence presented as overwhelming, leaving no doubt about the defendant’s guilt. She subsequently imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the law.
Legal observers say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on sexual violence, particularly cases involving minors and abuse within the family.
Reacting to the verdict, principal counsel for the organisation, James Ibor, praised the survivor for her strength throughout the trial process, noting the emotional and legal challenges involved in such cases.
He also acknowledged the roles played by the survivor’s guardians, as well as the Cross River State Ministry of Justice and the police, in ensuring the case was successfully prosecuted.
The organisation disclosed that the conviction marks the fourth rape-related judgment it has secured in the state within the last four months, a trend it says reflects growing accountability in such cases.
The case comes amid broader national concerns over sexual violence against minors. In a separate incident in 2025, police in Bauchi State arrested a 28-year-old man accused of assaulting his young daughter, highlighting the persistent nature of such crimes across different parts of the country.
Advocates say while convictions like this are a step forward, more work remains in prevention, early reporting, and protection systems to safeguard vulnerable children.
