RismadarVoice Reporters, April 1, 2026
A 32 year-old barber, Ofonime Augustine Etim has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for defiling a 12 year-old girl in Ikot Obong Otoro, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Ofonime, a native of Abama village in Akara Local Government Area, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 31st March, 2026 by Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene.
The charge stemmed from an incident that occurred on Wednesday, 10th May, 2023, when the convict was accused of having unlawful carnal knowledge with the minor.
The victim was reported missing for several days before being found with physical injuries and blood-stained clothing.
During the trial, the prosecution from the State Ministry of Justice called three witnesses, including the Investigating Police Officer and a medical doctor and tendered documentary evidence.
Key evidence included testimony by a Consultant Gynecologist, who testified to finding a 2cm deep vaginal wall laceration and multiple bruises, confirming forceful penetration of the minor.
The Investigating Police Officer, PW1 also testified that the victim was abducted and taken to a residence where the convict committed the act.
The victim’s elder sister also testified that the girl had gone missing for days before she was later found and taken to hospital for treatment.
The presiding judge, Justice Augustine D. Odokwo in his judgement, found Ofonime guilty of a one-count charge of defilement, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court relied heavily on medical findings presented by a consultant gynaecologist, who examined the victim and confirmed injuries consistent with sexual assault.
The convict, who testified in his own defence, denied the allegation and claimed he was falsely accused out of malice.
However, the court dismissed the defence as unsubstantiated.
Justice Odokwo held that the evidence before the court, particularly the medical report and testimonies of witnesses, established all the essential elements of the offence, including the age of the victim, proof of penetration and the identity of the offender.
Describing the offence as grave, the judge stressed the need to protect children and deter similar crimes.
“The law is designed not only to punish but to deter others from such acts. Children must be protected.” Justice Odokwo held.
The court sentenced Ofonime to 14 years imprisonment without the option of fine and ordered that the period already spent in custody since May 13, 2023, be deducted from the sentence.
Justice Odokwo also ordered that the convict’s name be entered into the State Sex Offenders Register while the exhibits tendered during the trial are to remain in court custody pending any appeal.
