Esther Salifu
36-year-old Laminu Ahmed has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of raping a 7-year-old girl.
Ahmed’s name will also be included in the Sexual Offender’s Register, as required by law .
The incident occurred on January 3, 2023, at the Zuba Fruit Market in Abuja.
Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi, a respected judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, recently handed down the significant sentence in the notable case.
Ahmed lured the young girl to a public bathroom under the pretext of fetching food for him.
He then sexually abuse and raped her.
Despite his attempts to silence her, the brave girl reported the incident to her mother, who immediately alerted the authorities. Ahmed was arrested and confessed to the crime at the police station.
The conviction was secured by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), with the prosecutor from the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Yewande Awopetu, successfully proving the case .
Ahmed was charged with an eight-count charge, including unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, sexual abuse, rape, intimidation, and infliction of bodily injury. Although he pleaded not guilty, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including his confessional statement and video, medical reports, and witness statements.
Mrs Yewande Awopetu hailed the judgment as a victory for the Justice Sector.
“It is also a warning to would-be perpetrators that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. A key lesson for parents in this case is never to leave their kids unattended in a public place.”
