75-year-old sentenced to 10 years in prison for defiling 11-year-old girl in Rivers

The Rivers state family court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Promise Chukwumatti, a 75-year-old man, to 10 years’ imprisonment for defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Rita Oguguo, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt through oral testimonies, the defendant’s confessional statement, forensic and physical evidence.

After convicting Chukwumatti, the judge ordered that his name be entered into the Rivers state sex offender register.

She also ordered him to pay N1 million in compensation to the victim’s family.

“The convict is a shame to fatherhood,” the judge said.

She said although the offence legally carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, the court exercised leniency in view of the convict’s plea for mercy, and the welfare of his motherless children.

Oguguo also issued a restraining order barring the convict and his family from approaching the victim or her family.

Chukwumatti was arraigned on a one-count charge of defilement.

Precious Ordu, the prosecutor, told the court that the convict repeatedly abused the minor in his apartment after luring her with money while she was on her way to school.