By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR
Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar, and presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu, Tuesday, convicted and sentenced one John Sunday Eyo to life imprisonment for rape.
Eyo was convicted for raping a 16-year-old girl, and was later sentenced to spend his entire life in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Afokang Prison, Calabar.
It was learnt that the conviction was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) and other stakeholders.
So far ,BRCI has secured the convictions of seven rapists in the past six months.
Commenting on the judgment, Mr James Ibor,Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of BRCI, said Cross River State has zero tolerance for the abuse of children.
Ibor commended the Cross River State Police Command, theAttorney-General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Okoi Ukam, for their commitment to securing justice.
“Special appreciation goes to Mrs Linda Asuquo for her unwavering dedication throughout the prosecution of the case. We also thank the BRCI team and our civil society partners for their tireless efforts in ensuring the protection and safety of children.
“Cross River State has zero tolerance for the abuse of children. Justice for survivors is a collective responsibility, and together we will continue to stand against all forms of violence against children,” Ibor added.