A High Court in Rivers State has sentenced Jerry Njoku to seven years’ imprisonment for defiling a 10-year-old girl.
According to Punch Newspapers on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the court also ordered the convict to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the victim’s family, describing the offence as a grave violation of a child’s rights and dignity.
The judgment followed legal proceedings in which the prosecution presented evidence linking Njoku to the crime. After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both parties, the court found him guilty and imposed the sentence in accordance with the law.
Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge stressed the need to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation, saying offences involving minors must attract appropriate punishment to deter similar crimes.
The conviction has prompted renewed calls from child rights advocates for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, while human rights groups urged victims and their families to report abuse without fear of stigma. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to prosecuting sexual offences and safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
