Kenneth Nwangu, a middle-aged man, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence by the Children, Se-xual and Gender-based Violence Court in the High Court of Awka, Anambra State. The court found him guilty of defiling his nine-year-old daughter, his only child.
The state government brought three charges against Nwangu, providing convincing evidence that supported the accusations. On count one, which involved engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor, an offense punishable under the Child Rights Law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2004, Nwangu was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Additionally, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment for inflicting physical injuries on his young victim, and one year imprisonment for causing emotional and psychological abuse, both offenses punishable under the Violence Against Persons, Prohibition and Protection Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 2017.
The court based its decision on the testimonies of witnesses presented by the prosecution, including the victim herself. The court also considered the fact that the defendant had been taking care of the victim since her mother's departure, which occurred around one year before the case.
Although given the opportunity to defend himself and avoid the maximum sentence of life imprisonment, Nwangu initially denied the accusations, claiming that it was a woman he entrusted with his child's care who had falsely accused him. However, he eventually confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency. Nwangu's defense counsel also appealed for mercy, highlighting his client's first-time offense and strong bond with the victim, who is his only child.
The court ruled that the seven, two, and one-year prison terms be served concurrently, and ordered that the victim remain under the care of the Anambra State Government.