Auchi Court sentences 3 to 12yrs for rape as BHI hails Edo justice system

IGARRA — The Auchi High Court in Edo State has convicted and sentenced three persons to 12 years imprisonment each in two separate sexual violence cases involving minors, in judgments hailed as a major boost in the fight against gender-based violence.

The cases, supported by the BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), involved the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Igarra Community and the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Imoga Community.

In a statement issued to newsmen, BHI disclosed that Ibrahim Momoh was convicted and handed a 12-year prison sentence for raping the 13-year-old victim in Igarra, following more than two years of sustained litigation.

In the second case, the court convicted Ofuna Alaike and Lucky Samuel for the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in Imoga Community, sentencing both men to 12 years imprisonment each after nearly four years of persistent legal pursuit.

The organisation described the convictions as a significant milestone in efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence, noting that the judgments reinforce the importance of accountability and justice for survivors.

BHI expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation and the BHI Supporters Group for their financial support, which enabled the prosecution of the cases.

It also commended state counsel from the Edo State Ministry of Justice and police investigators for their dedication and roles in securing the convictions.

Reaffirming its commitment, the group pledged to continue supporting survivors of sexual violence and to strengthen access to justice across communities in Edo State.