Civil servant gets life jail for raping minor in Abuja

From Grace Obike Abuja

A civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will spend the rest of his life behind bars for raping his wife’s 17-year-old niece at their SS Quarters, Jikwoyi residence.

Thirty-seven-year-old Francis Kyamang was arrested on September 13, 2019 by operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following a tip-off.

According to the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit of NAPTIP, Stella Nezan, the convict was arraigned on February 28, 2019 at the FCT High Court Jabi under Justice Hassan Babangida. She stated that the convict was found guilty and convicted on January 15, 2020.

She said, “Report indicated that the victim, a 17-year-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 the university.

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“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 did but they were just friends and the uncle asked if she was still a virgin. Next, he grabbed her, unzipped her dress and forcefully penetrated her.

“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, also hailed the legal team of the Agency for the diligent prosecution of the case.

“I am particularly happy that justice has been adequately served in this matter. This will serve as a deterrent to other persons and potential rapists who take delight in defiling our children. Like I said recently, this year will be hot for rapists and human traffickers in the country.

“We cannot afford to fold our arms while some unscrupulous persons continue to jeopardise the future of our children. They deserve protection and care rather sexual harassment.”