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A magistrate court sitting in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State has sentenced one Dele Eric to 14 years in prison for involvement in the gang rape and assault of a 22-year-old woman who is said to be a person with a disability.

In a statement on Monday, November 27, 2023, BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) which provided support for the case, said Dele, 28, was convicted on four count charges and sentenced without the option of a fine.

Chief Magistrate (Special Grade) Nosa Musoe delivered the verdict on Friday, November 24, 2023, aligning with the provisions of the Edo State Criminal Code Law.

Eric and others (now at large) who were said to have committed the offence in Ikpeshi town inflicted machete wounds on the bodies of the victim when she resisted them.

The convict was also accused of masturbating and ejaculating on the face and mouth of the victim.

He was arraigned on charge no MIG/23/2020 and was prosecuted by Inspector Obaze Samuel of the Igarra Area Command of the Nigerian Police.

In the statement, Mrs. Priscilla Usiobaifo, Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) said the foundation is satisfied with the outcome of the case.

She assured that the foundation will continue to facilitate justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

“BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) began intervention in the case on January 4, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; facilitated case transfer to SCIID-Benin City on July 24, 2020, and also facilitated Case Arraignment on August 12, 2020,” she said.

"A total of thirty (30) court sittings were held at the Magistrate Court, lgarra – four sittings (4) in 2020; fourteen (14) in 2021; eight (8) in 2022; and four (4) in 2023. The prosecution timeline was significantly elongated as a result of the COVID crisis.

"Despite the slow pace, our team remained fiercely spirited, resilient, and hopeful in the judicial process to deliver justice.

“We are grateful to the BraveHeart Initiative SGBV case workers for their determination for justice and support to the survivor to access essential services in the face of the several limitations from the rigid COVID-19 protocols in Edo State."