Delta Court Jails 55-Year-Old 60 Years for Rape

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

A Delta State High Court sitting in Orerokpe has sentenced 55-year-old Collins Ika to 60 years imprisonment for the rape of an 11-year-old girl. 

The convict was also ordered by Justice Joe Egwu to pay the victim ₦50 million in compensation for the trauma inflicted.

The abuse occurred between 2021 and 2022 in the Ugolo community of the Okpe Local Government Area.

The victim’s mother had entrusted the child and her siblings to Ika, who was their neighbor, while she was away from home.

The crime was uncovered after the young girl began complaining of persistent waist pains and eventually confided in her family. During the trial, she testified that Ika assaulted her repeatedly and threatened to kill her if she revealed his actions to anyone.

Following a police report, the defendant initially fled but was apprehended during a sting operation facilitated by a human rights activist. He was lured to a meeting under the guise of a settlement discussion, where he arrived with ₦111,000 intended to hush the case.

The court ordered the forfeiture of the ₦111,000 to the Delta State Government, noting that it was brought to settle the matter without legal knowledge. Justice Egwu held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, despite the defendant’s denials.

In his ruling, the judge emphasized that the 60-year sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to others. He condemned the breach of trust involved in the case, highlighting the need for justice in cases of child abuse and exploitation.