Edo Court Sentences Vigilante To Life For Raping Minor

A middle-aged man and a vigilante in Egba community in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Enaho Odigie, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor.
Delivering judgment on a one-count charge of alleged rape, the presiding Hon. Justice Mary ltsueli of the state high court, Benin City held that the offence for which the defendant was charged is sanctioned under section 5(1) of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
The judge further stated that “a person convicted of the offence of rape under Section (4) of this law is liable to imprisonment for life without an option of fine.”
Explaining that the prescribed punishment does not give the court any room for discretion, she maintained that having found the defendant guilty of the charge, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge also ordered that the photograph of the defendant be deposited in the court and listed on the register of sexual offenders.
Justice ltsueli said, “It is immaterial that the defendant was not found in a compromising position because most times the crime of rape is one hatched in secret where the only direct witnesses are the victim and perpetrator.
A one-count charge of rape was brought against one Odigie on or about the 22nd day of August, 2021, at about 6pm at Ogieva Street, off Benin/Auchi road, Benin City in which it was alleged that the suspect had carnal knowledge of one Miss Omoregbe Esohe Miracle, 12, an offence contrary to section (4) and punishable under section 5(1) of Edo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2021.