Stepfather Receives 20-Year Sentence After Being Found Guilty of Defiling His Four-Year-Old Stepdaughter in Delta State
Delta State High Court sitting in Isiokolo has sentenced a 54-year-old man, Samson Nagboje, to 20 years’ imprisonment for unlawfully having carnal knowledge of his four-year-old stepdaughter in a case that has shocked the local community and highlighted the serious stance of the judiciary against child sexual abuse.
The conviction was delivered by Justice O. Aforkeya of the High Court, Isiokolo Judicial Division, after a thorough trial during which the court found the defendant guilty of the grave offence. According to the prosecution, led by Miss Phoebian Onomakpome, an Assistant Director in the Delta State Ministry of Justice, the disturbing incident occurred on May 14, 2020, at Eloh Compound, Ovu, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The prosecution presented evidence to the court showing that Nagboje unlawfully had carnal knowledge of his four-year-old stepdaughter, an offence that is contrary to the relevant laws of Delta State aimed at protecting vulnerable children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The young victim, who was only four years old at the time, was subjected to this heinous act within what should have been the safety of her own home environment.
Following the incident, the defendant was promptly arrested by the police and arraigned before the court on June 8, 2020. The trial process saw the presentation of witness testimonies, medical reports, and other pieces of evidence that left the court with no doubt about the defendant’s culpability. After the conclusion of all legal proceedings, including cross-examinations and final submissions by both the prosecution and defence teams, Justice Aforkeya delivered the judgment, sentencing Samson Nagboje to a 20-year term in prison to serve as both punishment and a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate similar crimes against minors.
This landmark judgment underscores the commitment of the Delta State judiciary to ensuring justice for victims of child defilement and sending a clear message that such abominable acts will not be tolerated in society. Community leaders and child rights advocates have welcomed the sentence, calling for continued vigilance and stronger child protection measures across the state.
