REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
A final-year Mass Communication student has been convicted and sentenced to a total of 35 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl in Anambra State.
Wisdom Edem, 27, was found guilty on a three-count charge by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at the High Court in Awka.
The Preciding judge, Justice Peace Otti convicted him of rape contrary to Section 34(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004; sexual abuse and exploitation contrary to Section 35(2) of the same law; and inflicting physical injury contrary to Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra State, 2017.
He was sentenced to 25 years for rape, five years for sexual abuse, and five years for the injury.
The court heard that Edem lured the minor to his house under the pretence of shooting a comedy skit.
The victim, who had previously acted with him, went with her younger sister.
On arrival, he sent the sister away and locked the girl in his room, where he defiled her leading to bleeding.
A medical doctor who examined the child the same day confirmed the injuries and bleeding.
The prosecution, led by Principal State Counsel Chinelo Akorah of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, called six witnesses and tendered the defendant’s confessional statement and medical report.
Edem denied the offence and claimed the child seduced him, alleging she was 14, had a boyfriend, removed his clothes and initiated the act.
The court rejected the claim, ruling that a child is incapable of giving consent under the law and that the presence of blood confirmed she was a virgin. The judge described the act as premeditated.
Edem, who was on bail, was absent when judgment was delivered on 5 August 2026.
The court proceeded in his absence under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State, issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered that he be declared wanted, with his photographs circulated.
In an unusual order, the court directed his university not to issue him a certificate until he completes his prison term.
Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the he was also ordered to pay ₦200,000 compensation to the victim for the physical injury.
