A High Court in Imo State has sentenced a 42-year-old pastor, Samuel Ehirim, to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a minor who lived under his care.
Justice C.O. Chukwumaeze, who delivered the judgment on Tuesday, held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt” through credible and consistent evidence.
Ehirim was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on:
1. Sexual assault
2. Assault with intent to commit an unnatural offence
3. Indecent treatment of a girl under the age of 13
4. Assault
The offences are contrary to the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2021 and the Criminal Code.
In her judgment, Justice Chukwumaeze said the evidence before the court “overwhelmingly” established that Ehirim committed the offences.
The court found that the victim, who had been living with the convict, was subjected to repeated sexual abuse.
The judge also held that the defence failed to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses or create any reasonable doubt during the trial.
Although defence counsel S.E. Ibechem, who held the brief of D.O. Agbo, pleaded with the court to “temper justice with mercy,” the judge convicted Ehirim on all five counts and handed down a life sentence.
Speaking after the judgment, counsel to the Imo State Ministry of Justice, Ikenna Obi, described the conviction as a significant milestone in the enforcement of the state’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.
Obi said the ruling demonstrated the state government’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence.
He added that the judgment should serve as a strong warning to perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence across the State.
The prosecutor also commended the court for its firm stance, expressing confidence that the decision would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in Imo.
The case reinforces the state’s resolve that no one, regardless of position or title, is above the law when it comes to the protection of children.
- Media Report