Asaba High Court Sentences Man To Life Imprisonment For Defilement

Justice Onome Marshal-Umukoro delivered the judgement in Charge No. DTHC/ASB/CR/26/2025, State v. Abubakar Mohammed.

The defendant was prosecuted by the Delta State Ministry of Justice under Sections 3(1)(a) and 4(1) of the Delta State Violence Against Persons Law, 2020. The prosecution team was led by Victoria Ibegbulem, Principal State Counsel in the Sexual Offences Unit of the Ministry of Justice.

The charge arose from an incident that occurred in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.

In its judgement, the Court held that the prosecution proved all essential elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Marshal-Umukoro said the court relied on evidence presented during the trial, including testimony and medical records admitted as exhibits.

The judge noted that the Violence Against Persons Law, 2020 was enacted to eliminate all forms of violence in private and public life and to provide effective remedies for victims.

In determining sentence, the Court said it considered the age and vulnerability of the victim, the nature of the offence, and other circumstances presented before the court.

The Court further held that the facts of the case warranted a custodial term beyond the statutory minimum provided under the law.

Consequently, Mohammed was sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine.

In addition, the Court ordered that the convict’s name, photograph and other particulars be entered in the Register of Convicted Sex Offenders maintained by the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State.

The Court directed that the register be made accessible to members of the public in line with provisions of the VAPP Law.

Legal practitioners in attendance said the judgement reinforces the state government’s commitment to the prosecution of sexual offences and protection of children.

The Delta State Government has continued to advocate for the enforcement of the VAPP Law across the state.