February 13, (THEWILL) — Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced 33-year-old Amaebi Joseph Amasa to 20 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old girl.
Amasa, a native of Otuabula II Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, was convicted on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/OG/CR/6/2025, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice (Dr.) S.W. Amaduobogha, ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant was convicted under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State, 2021.
The incident occurred on October 24, 2024, at the convict’s residence. The court heard that the minor was on an errand for her sister when Amasa lured her into his room under the pretext of sending her to buy cooking salt. Upon her return, he locked the door and threatened her with a machete and a gun before committing the act.
Reacting to the verdict, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, described the judgment as a testament to the government’s zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual and gender-based violence.
“This verdict is further proof of the government’s efforts to curb sexual and gender-based violence and give justice to vulnerable victims in Bayelsa State,” Dambo said.
The Attorney-General also commended the prosecution team for their commitment to seeing the case through.
The lead prosecutor and Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Pere Amanda Egbuson, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. She noted that the swift reporting of the crime played a vital role in the conviction.
“Timely report of the incident and swift medical attention assisted the prosecution in the case,” Egbuson stated.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and report incidents of sexual abuse promptly, noting that this marks the second rape conviction in the state within just three days.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
