In a resounding victory for justice, the Igarra Chief Magistrate Court has handed down a 14-year prison sentence without the option of a fine to Dele Eric, a convicted rapist. Eric, part of a four-man gang that brutally assaulted and raped a young woman with a disability in the Ikpeshi community of Akoko-Edo local government area, stood trial alone as two accomplices remain at large and one is reported as medically unfit.
The groundbreaking achievement was orchestrated by the BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women (BHI), a youth-led NGO that swiftly intervened when the crime occurred three years ago. BHI, with funding support from the Open Society Foundations-Africa (OSIWA-OSF) and the MacArthur Foundation, ensured justice for the victim.
In a harrowing incident, the perpetrators not only subjected the victim to a brutal assault but also inflicted machete wounds when she resisted. One assailant went as far as committing a degrading act on her, while others pinned her to the ground.
Chief Magistrate Nosa Musoe, in his verdict on November 24, 2023, found Dele Eric guilty on multiple charges, including rape, assault, and conspiracy under the Criminal Code Law of Edo State.
The BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women celebrated the verdict in a press statement, revealing that the journey to justice involved thirty-four months of tireless efforts, spanning thirty court sittings, with delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. The organization’s commitment, despite health risks and security concerns, showcased unwavering solidarity with survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in rural communities of Edo State.
Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director of BHI, and her dedicated team have garnered commendations and support from within and outside Edo State for their outstanding impact on society. The accolades underscore the organization’s commitment to facilitating justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria, showcasing uncommon courage, sacrifices, and resilience in their pursuit of justice.
As of November 2023, BHI has successfully facilitated the court convictions of twenty-nine sex offenders in twenty-six cases, solidifying its position as a leading non-profit dedicated to responding to SGBV and advocating for SGBV reforms in Nigeria.
