An Abuja civil servant
has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his wife’s 17 years old
niece at their SS Quarters, Jikwoyi residence in the Federal Capital Territory.
The 37 years old
Francis Kyamang was arrested on the 13th September 2019 by operatives of the
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
following a tip-off while the case was filed on 11th December, 2018 after the
completion of investigation.
According to the Head,
Press and Public Relations Unit of NAPTIP, Stella Nezan the convict was
arraigned on the 28th of February, 2019 at the FCT High Court Jabi- Court 32
under Justice Hassan Babangida with charge number CR/70/18, under the VAPP Act
2015.
She stated that the
convict was found guilty and convicted on the 15th January 2020 and was
sentenced to life imprisonment on the 28th of January, 2020.
“Report indicated that the victim, a 17year
old Secondary School leaver, was hired by the wife of the convict to
temporarily assist in taking care of her baby having gained admission to one of
the Universities in Kaduna.
“In her testimony, the
victim said on the fateful day, she dropped her niece in school, got back home
and met her uncle (the Convict) at home which she found to be strange. Her
uncle (the convict), asked her series of questions regarding her NECO exams
which she answered. He further went ahead to ask if she had a boyfriend in the
village. The victim said she does but they are just friends and the uncle asked
if she was still a virgin whom she confirmed to him she was. Next, he grabbed
her, unzipped her dress and forcefully penetrated her virginal.
“All her efforts to scream and alert
neighbours were abortive as he used a cloth to cover her mouth. After raping
her, he later flogged her and locked her up in the house. The medical report
also showed that she was limping and her hymen had been tampered with.
“In her reaction,
Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah – Donli, who commended the Judge
for the brilliant judgment delivered in the case also hailed the legal team of
the Agency for the diligent prosecution of the case.
She said “We cannot
afford to fold our hands while some unscrupulous persons continue to jeopardize
the future of our children. They deserve protection and care rather sexual
harassment.