Dele Eric was given a 14-year prison sentence by a magistrate court in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, for his involvement in the gang rape and abuse of a 22-year-old lady who was allegedly a person with a disability.
BraveHeart Initiative (BHI), which supported the lawsuit, said in a statement on Monday, November 27, 2023, that Dele, 28, was found guilty on four counts and sentenced without the possibility of a fine.
On Friday, November 24, 2023, Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) Nosa Musoe rendered the decision in accordance with the terms of the Edo State Criminal Code Law.
When the victim struggled, Eric and other alleged perpetrators of the crime in Ikpeshi town—who are currently at large—whacked her body with a machete.
Additionally, the convicted party was charged with ejaculating and masturbating on the victim’s mouth and face.
Under charge no. MIG/23/2020, he was arraigned and prosecuted by Inspector Obaze Samuel of the Nigerian Police’s Igarra Area Command.
The BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) executive director, Mrs. Priscilla Usiobaifo, stated in the statement that the organisation is happy with the case’s conclusion.
She gave her word that the charity would keep working to help victims of gender-based and sexual assault in Nigeria get justice.
“BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) began intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID- 19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020, and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020,” she stated.
“The Magistrate Court, Igarra hosted thirty (30) court sessions in total: four (4) in 2020, fourteen (14) in 2021, eight (8) in 2022, and four (4) in 2023. The COVID situation resulted in a considerable extension of the prosecution schedule.
“Despite the slow pace, our team remained fiercely spirited, resilient, and hopeful in the judicial process to deliver justice.
“We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and support to the survivor to access essential services in the face of the several limitations from the rigid COVID-19 protocols in Edo State.”