After a thirty-four-month fight for justice with a total of 30 court sessions, one Dele Eric has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for leading the gang-raping a physically challenged woman.
Sometime in 2020, a young woman living with a disability was physically assaulted and sexually violated by four young men in Ikpeshi Community, Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State, Nigeria. The perpetrators did not stop at inflicting machete wounds on her body when she resisted their sexual violation; one of them, Dele Eric went on to masturbate and ejaculate on her face and mouth while she was being forcibly restrained by the others.
Justice came for her on 24th November 2023 when Nosa Musoe – Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) of the Magistrate Court, Igarra, Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State pronounced a guilty verdict on Dele Eric.
After being found guilty on multiple counts charge of rape, assault, and conspiracy as applicable in the Criminal Code Law of Edo state, he was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
A statement signed by Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director, BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women (BHI) revealed that with funding support from Open Society Foundations-Africa (OSIWA-OSF) and the MacArthur Foundation, BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women represented the victim and secured a victory.
Usiobaifo in the statement said: “The conviction brings to rest a thirty-four-month struggle for justice by The Brave Heart Initiative’sTeam. BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) began intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020, and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020. Commissioner of Police vs Momodu Fatai, Dele Eric case with Charge No MIG/23c /2020 was prosecuted by Inspector Obeze Samuel of the Igarra Area Command.
“A total of thirty (30) court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, Igarra – four sittings (4) in year 2020; fourteen (14) in year 2021; eight (8) in year 2022; and four (4) in year 2023. The prosecution timeline was significantly elongated as a result of the COVID crisis.
“Despite the slow pace, our team remained fiercely spirited, resilient, and hopeful in the judicial process to deliver justice. We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and support to the survivor to access essential services in the face of the several limitations from the rigid COVID-19 protocols in Edo State.
“Despite the health risks and security anxieties during the pandemic, our team of dedicated caseworkers showed remarkable solidarity to survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in rural communities of Edo State.
“Our profound gratitude to the Open Society Foundation (OSIWA-OSF) for the funds used for case investigation and court prosecution, as well as the MacArthur Foundation, whose financial support ensured the continuation and finalization of this case.
“The BraveHeart Initiative’s team welcomes the verdict and remains resolute, steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to facilitating justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria. BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women (BHI) is a youth-led, feminist non-governmental organization promoting young people’s sexual reproductive health and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria. BHI is one of Nigeria’s leading non-profits dedicated to responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and advocating for SGBV reforms. As of November 2023, BHI has facilitated court conviction of twenty-nine (29) Sex Offenders in Twenty-Six(26)cases.
“As we commemorate 16 Days of Activism for Violence Against Women this year 2023, I envision a strong, inclusive, resilient justice system that ensures survivor-centered litigation. BraveHeart Initiative’s efforts in justice systems strengthening has been proven to be impactful as we have successfully facilitated court conviction of twenty-nine (29) sex offenders in Edo State, Nigeria thereby reducing the urge for jungle justice in SGBV matters.
Commending their doggedness, a BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) supporter, Mrs. Josephine Anenih said: “Kudos… Congratulations BHI for the renewed hope in our justice system to dispense justice for SGBV survivors. Thank you to everyone involved in this case and contributed to bringing justice to the victim. Thank you to OSIWA and MacArthur Foundation for the financial support. Thank you Priscilla for your leadership and passion.”
Another supporter, Godwin E. Morka) said: “Kudos to the BraveHeart Initiative team for uncommon courage, sacrifices, and resilience in the prosecution of this case. Ms Usiobaifo is a testament that on young person can change our society with sufficient passion, discipline, and patriotism.”
