A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, July 8, 2024, convicted an employee of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Mudi Emmanuel, to 20 years in prison.
Mudi was found guilty of molesting and raping a ten-year-old girl in suit number FCT/ HC/ CR/ 133/2022.
The incident which happened in 2022, was said to be one of the suspect’s numerous sexual escapades.
The court having found him guilty, handed him two concurrent sentences of 20 years in prison.
It was gathered that the conviction was a result of the commitment and unceasing efforts over the previous two years by the staff of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and others involved in making sure that justice is done in the horrific crime against the girl child.
Reacting to the judgment, Ms Faith Nwadishi, the Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), while applauding the judgment, said it will serve as a deterrent to prospective offenders.
Nwadishi, who spoke through the CTA Program and Communications Manager, Macdonald Ekemezie further appreciated the victim and the family for speaking out against the ugly incident, to seek justice.
“Rape is a crime against humanity and a grave human rights violation.
“We honour the survivor and her family’s bravery and tenacity in the face of unspeakable suffering, pain, and trauma.
“This judgement and sentencing of Mr Mudi make it clear that our society will not accept such horrible acts.
“The Center for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) will keep pushing and advocating for a just and safe society where pedophiles and others who commit acts of sexual assault are held accountable and responsible.
“Our space and communities must be safe for our children to live and enjoy their innocence,” Nwadishi said.
She further thanked the staff of CTA, the NAPTIP, and the security agencies for their persistence in pushing for justice for the young girl. According to her, with the judgment, the family of the victim will now come out of the trauma they have been subjected to in the past two years and find closure.
In her response, the mother of the ten-year-old child, who was excited, expressed gratitude that finally justice was done.
She thanked CTA, NAPTIP, and the judiciary for coming to the rescue of the family that ordinarily would not afford the legal fees to seek redress.
