Anambra man receives 10-year jail term for defiling daughter

In a significant verdict delivered by the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court at the High Court in Awka, Anambra State, Kenneth Nwangu, a middle-aged man, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the abhorrent act of defiling his nine-year-old daughter, his only child.

The court found Nwangu guilty on three counts brought against him by the state government, with compelling evidence supporting the charges.

For the offense of sexual intercourse with a minor, punishable under Section 34 of the Child Rights Law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2004, Nwangu received a seven-year prison term.

Additionally, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment for inflicting physical injuries on his victim and one year for causing emotional and psychological abuse, under Sections 4 and 16 of the Violence Against Persons, Prohibition and Protection Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2017, respectively.

The court’s decision was based on testimonies from prosecution witnesses, including the victim herself, and evidence indicating Nwangu’s culpability, despite his initial denial. Notably, the court considered Nwangu’s plea for leniency, acknowledging that he was a first-time offender and citing his sole custody of the victim following his wife’s departure.

During the trial, Nwangu initially refuted the allegations, shifting blame onto a woman entrusted with the child’s care.

However, he later confessed to the crimes and sought leniency. His defense counsel echoed pleas for mercy, citing his lack of prior convictions and his paternal relationship with the victim.