3 face life imprisonment over abduction, abuse of minor

Three men who allegedly abducted and sexually abused a 14-year-old girl in Kabusa area of Abuja face life imprisonment, police and court papers revealed.

Police prosecutor, Donatus Abah, told Daily Trust a sevencount charge bordering on abduction, unlawful sexual intercourse and exploitation of a child was filed against Chukwuneku Ossai, Isah Abdulmumini and Augustine Aniagbo.

He said although the suspects have jumped the administrative bail granted to them by the police, the charge has been properly filed before an FCT High Court in Maitama. He added that the police are currently searching for both the suspects and their sureties.

The charge sheet said the offences are punishable under sections 31, 32 and 47 of the Child’s Right Act (Nigeria), Laws of the Federation, 2004 with Section 31 providing that a person who has unlawful sexual intercourse with a child commits an offence of rape and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

Abah said the charges were filed under the Child’s Right Act as against the Penal Code because the Act provided for different offences and punishment whereas the Penal Code only recognises the offense of rape.

The charge revealed that Ossai, 20 confessed to have induced and incited his 14year old victim, Chiamaka Ekwueme, to stay away from the house of her guardians for four days during which he sexually abused her.

Police said when done with the act, Ossai handed her over to Abdulmumini, 21, who also allegedly sexually abused her. The child was thereafter transferred to Aniagbo, 32, who also took his turn with her, the charge sheet read.

The three were said to have enticed the victim with money and exploited her to stay with them while they took turns to have sexual intercourse with her.