February 12, (THEWILL) — A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Ebimie Ajalla, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.
Ajalla, a resident of the Polobubo community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, committed the offense at the victim’s residence.
The court found that Ajalla, a relative of the child, repeatedly inserted his fingers into the minor’s vagina.
The prosecution successfully argued that this act constitutes rape under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State, 2021.
Presiding Judge Justice Christine I. Kombo-Enegesi found Ajalla guilty on counts including rape, arson, and stealing. In the judgment for Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Kombo-Enegesi also commended the prosecution team for their diligence throughout the proceedings.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, reacted to the ruling by describing it as a clear affirmation of the law’s protection of minors.
He noted that the sentence underscores the state government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the fight against sexual violence.
The lead prosecutor, Mrs. Pere Amanda Egbuson, a Deputy Director at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, stated that the court’s pronouncement reinforces the legal position that fingering constitutes rape under the 2021 VAPP Law.
She explained that the definition of rape in Bayelsa now extends beyond penile penetration to include the use of other body parts or objects.
Mrs. Egbuson further stated that the conviction serves as a deterrent to others, sending a clear message that child sexual abuse will be met with severe legal consequences across the state.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
