A High Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has sentenced 46-year-old Imeh Sunday to life imprisonment for the rape of his biological daughter.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday at the Family Court 2 in Cross River State, Justice Blessing Egwu ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court cited overwhelming evidence against the defendant during the trial, which centered on charges of incestuous rape, before handing down the maximum sentence prescribed by law.
The successful prosecution was spearheaded by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting the rights of children and vulnerable persons. James Ibor, the Principal Counsel of BRCI, lauded the survivor for her immense courage and resilience throughout the legal process. He also extended gratitude to the survivor’s guardians, the State Ministry of Justice, and the police for their collaborative efforts in ensuring that justice was served.
This verdict marks the fourth rape-related conviction secured by the BRCI in Cross River State within the last four months, highlighting a concerted push for accountability in gender-based violence cases. “I wish to commend the judiciary, the Attorney-General, and our volunteers for their commitment to the survivor’s recovery,” Ibor stated. The organisation emphasized that such judgments serve as a critical deterrent against the abuse of minors and vulnerable individuals within domestic settings.
The sentencing comes amid a backdrop of similar disturbing reports of child abuse across the country. In late 2025, authorities in Bauchi State arrested a 28-year-old man for the repeated assault and rape of his 8-year-old daughter. These cases have sparked renewed calls from civil society groups and legal experts for stricter enforcement of protection laws and a more robust support system for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
