BEVERLY HILLS, June 10, (THEWILL) – The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the five-year jail term with hard labour passed on Afor Lucky for raping a minor.
NAN reports that the convict was charged with rape, punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol.1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The particulars of offence held that Lucky, on or about April 7, 2007 at Ole in Delta State, had carnal knowledge of the five-year-old girl.
Lucky was tried and convicted as charged in the High Court of Delta State. Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, the convict approached the Court of Appeal, Benin City, which dismissed his appeal on Nov.17, 2014.
Further dissatisfied with the outcome of his appeal, Lucky sought the intervention of the Supreme Court.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta held that it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict had forceful carnal knowledge of the minor.
“The convict has successfully killed something in the psyche of the victim, leaving the poor girl devastated and with a permanent scar for life.
“The principle of inviolability of a sentence not appealed against, which I am duty bound to apply herein most regrettable and painfully appears to give credence to the saying that the law is an ass.
“Maybe the asinine attribute is not inherent in the law but in the application of its provision as amply demonstrated in this case.
“The provision has provided for 14 years maximum jail term for rape but the trial judge decided to give Lucky five.
“In conclusion, having resolved the five issues, except one, against the convict, I therefore dismiss the appeal for want of merit.
“The judgment of the Court below which affirmed the judgment of the trial Court is hereby affirmed,’’ Ngwuta held.
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