Anambra Court Sentences 27-Year-Old to 35 Years for Child Rape

By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

AWKA, Anambra State — The Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at the High Court of Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 27-year-old final-year Mass Communication student, Wisdom Edem, to a combined 35 years in prison for offences arising from the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.

Edem was convicted by Justice Peace Otti after being found guilty on a three-count charge in Charge No. A/3C/2024, The State v. Wisdom Edem.

The prosecution told the court that the 10-year-old victim was allegedly lured to Edem’s residence under the guise of participating in a comedy skit.

According to the evidence presented in court, the girl had previously participated in comedy skits with Edem and others. She reportedly went to his residence with her younger sister, but Edem allegedly sent the younger sibling away to obtain a change of clothes for the victim.

The court heard that Edem subsequently directed the child into his room, telling her that other people were waiting there. She allegedly entered the room and discovered that she was alone with him.

The prosecution said Edem locked the door and sexually assaulted the child, resulting in bleeding and physical injuries. A medical doctor who examined the girl on the same day reportedly testified in court and confirmed the injuries.

Edem denied the allegations in his defence and reportedly claimed that the child had initiated the sexual encounter. He further alleged that she removed his clothes, inserted his penis into her vagina and told him she was 14 years old and had a boyfriend.

The court rejected the defence.

Justice Otti reportedly held that a child of the victim’s age could not legally consent to sexual activity with an adult. The court therefore dismissed the suggestion that the child could be held responsible for the sexual act.

The judgment is particularly significant because the defendant’s claim that the child had “seduced” him raises a broader child-protection concern: a 10-year-old cannot be expected to bear the responsibility of an adult for sexual conduct.

A child’s behaviour, curiosity, exposure to sexualised content or imitation of adult behaviour does not transfer responsibility for sexual activity from an adult to the child. The responsibility remains with the adult to recognise the child’s vulnerability and maintain appropriate boundaries.

The court reportedly described the offence as premeditated and carefully planned, noting that the defendant had allegedly used the supposed comedy skit as a means of gaining access to the child.

Edem, who had been on bail and was present during the trial, was reportedly absent when judgment was delivered.

Justice Otti subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be declared wanted.

The court imposed separate sentences of 25 years for rape, five years for sexual abuse and another five years for inflicting injury on the child, amounting to 35 years if served cumulatively.

The court also ordered the defendant to pay N200,000 compensation to the victim for the physical injury suffered.

The case has renewed attention on the vulnerability of children to sexual exploitation and the responsibility of adults, parents, communities and institutions to create safer environments for minors.

It also underscores the need for society to reject narratives that blame children for sexual abuse committed against them and instead hold adults accountable for protecting children from exploitation.