by ‘Jola Sotubo

A man in Taraba who was arrested by the police on suspicion of rape has been found guilty of the charges against him.

Boniface Ankwuli, 62, was sentenced yesterday before an Upper Area Court in Jalingo, the state capital and he is to spend 6 years in prison for his crime.

Mr. Ankwuli admitted that he had raped the 7-year-old victim and he pleaded with the court to be lenient with him as it was his first offence.

Leadership reports:

According to the police first information report, the convict used N50 to entice the girl (names withheld) to his residence in Nukia Jalingo, Taraba State, an offence contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code.

When the case came up for mention on Monday, the convict pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded for leniency, saying he was a first offender.

The police persecutor, Corporal Usman Dahiru, prayed the court to try the offender summarily since he had admitted to the crime.

Delivering judgment the judge, Dauda Buba, said the issue of rape was a very serious offence that needs to be handled with every sense of seriousness and therefore sentenced the offender to six years imprisonment with hard labour.