Man Who Raped 13-Year-Old IDP Bags 14 Years Jail Term

Yahaya Umar, a man who who raped one Hajja Ibrahim, a 13-year-old Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Borno State, has bagged 14 years jail term.

Umar was sentenced by a Borno State High Court for luring Ms Ibrahim to one Rainbow Hotel in Maiduguri, where he raped her.

“That you Yahaya Umar (male), on or about 21st September 2016 at about 1900 hours at railway quarters Maiduguri , within the jurisdiction of this honourable court committed rape on one Hajja Ibrahim of IDPs camp Abaganaram primary school , in that you forcefully had sexual intercourse with her and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 283 of the penal code laws of Borno State,” read the charge filed against Umar.

Justice Alkali Wakkil Gana, after listening to the testimonies by five witnesses brought against Umar, said the accused deserved no sympathy.

Justice Gana’s verdict reads, “I believe the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses . They impressed me as witness of truth. Accused person in his defence stated that the victim wanted a place to stay hence he took her to his house and harboured her until the following day.

“You can tell this type of information to the marines. It is a matter of common knowledge that there is curfew in Maiduguri and everybody is expected to be at home before 10 p.m.

“The court is at a loss why the accused person should ‘carry’ the young girl to his house. He is not a truthful witness. I have watched his demeanor in the witness box. He did not impress me as witness of truth.

“I disbelieve his testimony.”

“I find him guilty as charged and hereby proceed to convict him. Predators of minors should beware, they do not deserve any clemency. The convict has committed a heinous crime. He does not deserve any sympathy knowing the conditions the IDPs are going through.”

The judge further cautioned parents at IDPs camps against condoning such occurrences.

“Parents and guardians should desist from compromising or condoning any abuse against their wards. He is sentenced to maximum prison term of 14 years with hard labour,” he ruled.