By: Odeh Ramon, Yenagoa.

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Ebimie Ajalla of Polobubo Community, Oporoma, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.

Ajalla, who is a relative of the victim, committed the offence at the child’s residence in Polobubo Community.

The court held that he repeatedly inserted his fingers into the minor’s vagina—an offence that the prosecution successfully argued constituted rape under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State.

The court found him guilty on all three counts bordering on rape, arson, and stealing.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, Hon. Justice Christine I Kombo- Enegesi held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the defendant to 12 years’ imprisonment.

In his ruling, Justice Enegesi commended the prosecution team for their diligence and professionalism in handling the case.

Reacting to the judgment, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, described the judgment as a clear affirmation of the law’s protection of minors against all forms of sexual abuse.

He added that it underscores the State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the fight against sexual violence in Bayelsa State.

On her part, the prosecution team lead, Deputy Director at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Pere Amanda Egbuson, Esq., stated that the court’s pronouncement reinforces the legal position that fingering constitutes rape under the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, and not only penile penetration.

Mrs. Egbuson further stated that the conviction sends a clear message that child sexual abuse will be met with severe consequences and that this will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of such despicable acts across the State.