Man sentenced to life imprisonment for assault of 10-year-old woman in Cross River

Crime

By Linda Ikeji
11 November 2026, 1:08 pm

A 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year previous woman in Cross River State.

He was convicted and sentenced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 by a High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu.

The judgement was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, a non-governmental organisation defending the rights of youngsters and girls.

Commenting on the judgment, James I or, Esq., Principal Counsel of BRCI, lauded all of the events concerned in making certain the sufferer will get justice.

According to Ibor, the judgment reinforces the precept that each little one has the appropriate to stay free from sexual violence, abuse and exploitation.

“I commend the Cross River State Government for demonstrating a commitment to addressing sexual violence,” the lawyer mentioned.

“I also appreciate the Nigeria Police Force for its thorough investigation and the Honourable Attorney General, Ededem Ani, for standing firm in the pursuit of justice despite the pressures that came with the case.

“My honest gratitude goes to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, and Mr. Joseph Apajung for his or her diligence and dedication to making sure that the perpetrator was held accountable.

“I am particularly grateful to my team at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) for standing alongside the survivor and her family throughout this difficult journey.

“Their buddies, supporting survivors of sexual assault of that age goes past securing convictions, defending their privateness, patiently listening to their wants and making certain that they and their households obtain the assist they should heal and rebuild may be difficult in Nigeria.

“I also acknowledge our civil society and development partners, Safe Child Africa, @ActionAid Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria, for their invaluable support.

“While we welcome this judgment, we should do not forget that behind each case of sexual violence is a baby whose security, dignity and wellbeing should stay paramount. Justice should transcend punishment to incorporate safety, survivor-centred assist, entry to applicable care and the prevention of additional abuse.

“The fight against sexual violence must remain collective, sustained and firmly rooted in the rights and best interests of survivors.”