75-year-old man sentenced to 10 years for defiling minor in Rivers

A Family Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to ten years in prison for defiling an 11-year-old girl. He cannot pay a fine instead of serving time.

The court also ordered Chukwumatti to pay N1 million to the girl’s family as compensation. His name will be added to the list of rapists in Rivers State.

Chukwumatti faced one charge of defilement of a minor.

Justice Rita Oguguo, who presided over the case, stated that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Chukwumatti committed the crime. They presented oral and confessional evidence to back their case.

Chukwumatti reportedly lured the girl to his home several times, offering her money while she was on her way to school. The court agreed with Precious Ordu, the prosecution counsel from the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, that Chukwumatti was guilty of the crime against the young girl.

Justice Oguguo noted that even though the convict asked for mercy, the law is clear. She said such an offence can lead to life imprisonment. However, she considered the convict’s children, who no longer have their mother, and decided on ten years in prison without a fine.

The court described Chukwumatti as a disgrace to fatherhood. It also issued an order to keep him and his family away from the victim's family.

Our reporter said that the convict's lawyer did not comment on the judgment. Meanwhile, Precious Ordu, the prosecution counsel, praised the ruling. She said it would deter others from committing similar crimes.

Ordu said, "The Honourable Justice Rita C. Oguguo just delivered a judgment in the case of a 75-year-old man who defiled an 11-year-old girl, a girl who should be his granddaughter.

"The court made its decision today, sentencing him to ten years in prison and ordering him to pay N1 million to the victim’s family.

"This is a fair judgment and justice for the state and the victim. The court also ordered that his name be added to the list of defilement offenders, which includes rapists in the state.

"This judgment will also make others who think of committing defilement stay away from minors."