Justice For Child Victim As Delta High Court Hands Convict Life Sentence
By AMANDA EZE
A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has sentenced Abubakar Mohammed to life imprisonment without an option of fine for raping a nine-year-old girl.
The court found Mohammed guilty after the prosecution established the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro delivered the judgment on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The case, filed as State v. Abubakar Mohammed, was prosecuted by the Delta State Ministry of Justice under relevant provisions of the Delta State Violence Against Persons Law, 2020.
Mrs Victoria Ibegbulem, a Principal State Counsel in the Sexual Offences Unit of the Ministry, led the prosecution.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence to support the charge against the defendant.
The court relied mainly on the direct testimony of the child victim, alongside medical evidence.
Justice Marshal-Umukoro held that the evidence established all the essential elements of the offence.
The judge also considered the age and vulnerability of the victim in determining the appropriate punishment.
Evidence relating to the circumstances surrounding the offence also influenced the sentence.
The court further considered allegations that the child had previously suffered abuse and threats to her life.
Justice Marshal-Umukoro ruled that the circumstances justified a punishment beyond the minimum penalty provided under the law.
Mohammed was consequently sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine.
The court also directed the authorities to enter the convict’s name, photograph and other identifying details into Delta State’s Register of Convicted Sex Offenders.
The register falls under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
Justice Marshal-Umukoro further ordered that members of the public should have access to the register.
The judgment adds to efforts by the Delta State justice system to strengthen accountability for sexual offences.
It also underscores the severe consequences that courts may impose in cases involving the sexual abuse of children.
For the child at the centre of the case, the verdict brings the criminal trial to a close.
For the wider public, the decision sends another strong signal about the legal protection available to children and other vulnerable persons under Delta State law.
