Life Imprisonment for 27-Year-Old Man Who Raped 13-Year-Old Girl in Calabar

Justice has been served in Cross River State as Akahi News can confirm that a 27-year-old man, Edidiong Cletus Nyojole, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old girl. The conviction was handed down on Tuesday by Honourable Justice Blessing Egwu of the Cross River State Family Court 2 sitting in Calabar.

Akahi News learnt that Nyojole committed the heinous crime at Uwanse, Calabar South, where he forcefully dragged his teenage victim into an uncompleted building alongside an accomplice who remains at large. The court found him guilty after compelling evidence was presented during the trial.

The judgment has been hailed as a landmark moment in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in the state. Justice Egwu, widely commended as one of the best and fairest judges in Cross River, relied on strong medical evidence, corroborated witness testimonies, and even the defendant’s own admission during the trial to reach her decision.

Beyond the life sentence, the court ordered Nyojole to pay ₦1,000,000 as compensation to the victim. It is a sum that can never erase the trauma but may help the young survivor access the care and support she needs to rebuild her life.

‘Zero Tolerance for Sexual Violence’ – Rights Group Speaks

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), the non-governmental organisation that secured the conviction, issued a strong statement following the judgment. The group described the outcome as a firm judicial stance against sexual violence and an affirmation that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.

“This conviction shows a firm judicial stance against sexual violence and affirms that perpetrators of such crimes will be held fully accountable under the law,” BRCI stated.

James Ibor, Esq., Principal Counsel of BRCI, went further, declaring that Cross River State has zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). He thanked the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, Justice Egwu, and the entire Cross River State Judiciary for ensuring that the survivor received the justice she deserved.

“We acknowledge this outcome as a significant step. Efforts will continue to ensure that all perpetrators of abuse against children are identified and brought to justice,” Ibor said.

Akahi News gathered that Ibor specifically commended the Nigeria Police in Cross River State, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Etubom Ededem Charles Ani, and the staff of BRCI who made the conviction possible.

The Accomplice Still at Large

While the conviction of Nyojole is a victory, the battle is not over. The accomplice who participated in the rape remains at large. Police authorities have not announced any arrests or provided updates on efforts to track him down. That is a loose end that must be tied.

Akahi News believes that the Nigeria Police in Cross River must intensify efforts to locate and arrest the second suspect. He cannot be allowed to escape justice simply because he fled the scene. The victim deserves to see all perpetrators brought before the court.

The court relied on medical evidence – a crucial factor in rape cases where witnesses are often scarce. The presence of corroborated testimonies and the defendant’s own admission strengthened the prosecution’s case. Other survivors and their families should take note: medical evidence can be the difference between conviction and acquittal.

What Does This Mean for Cross River and Nigeria?

For ordinary Nigerians, especially parents of young girls, this judgment sends a powerful message: sexual violence against children will not be tolerated. The courts, when presented with solid evidence, are willing to impose the maximum penalty. Life imprisonment means Nyojole will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars. He will never again walk free in society.

Akahi News notes that Justice Egwu has earned praise for her handling of this case. In a justice system often criticised for delays, technicalities, and lenient sentences, this judgment stands out as a model of what is possible when judges are courageous and committed. The Attorney-General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Charles Ani, also deserves commendation for supporting the prosecution.

The ₦1 million compensation order is significant. Too often, survivors of sexual violence are left to bear the costs of medical treatment, counselling, and legal fees alone. This financial reparation – while modest – sets a precedent that perpetrators must pay not only with their freedom but also with their wallets.

A Philosophical Reflection on Justice and Healing

There is a saying: “Justice is not the absence of crime but the presence of accountability.” Nyojole has been held accountable. The court has spoken. But for the 13-year-old survivor, the road ahead remains long. Life imprisonment for her attacker does not erase the nightmares. It does not undo the violation. What it does is affirm that what happened to her was wrong, that the law is on her side, and that society will not look away.

That affirmation matters. It matters because many survivors never report. Many who do report are never believed. Many who are believed never see their attackers convicted. This case broke through all those barriers. A 13-year-old girl found the courage to speak. The police investigated. The prosecutor built a case. The judge ruled fairly. And a rapist will never harm another child.

Akahi News calls on other states in Nigeria to emulate Cross River’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence. Specialised family courts, trained judges, supportive prosecutors, and engaged civil society organisations make convictions possible. It does not happen by accident. It happens by design.

As for the accomplice still on the run, his days of freedom are numbered. The police know his identity. The law will find him. And when it does, he too will face justice. The message from Calabar is clear: if you rape a child in Cross River State, you will spend the rest of your life in prison. Let that warning echo across Nigeria.

📌 Key Summary Box – What You Must Know

• ✔ Edidiong Cletus Nyojole, 27, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl in Calabar South.
• ✔ The judgment was delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu of the Cross River State Family Court 2 on Tuesday.
• ✔ Nyojole dragged his victim into an uncompleted building with an accomplice who remains at large.
• ✔ The court relied on strong medical evidence, witness testimonies, and the defendant’s own admission.
• ✔ Nyojole was also ordered to pay ₦1,000,000 in compensation to the victim.
• ✔ Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which secured the conviction, declared that Cross River has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence.
• ✔ For Nigerians: This landmark judgment shows that life imprisonment for child rape is possible when the police, judiciary, and civil society work together. Parents, survivors, and advocates should take heart – justice can prevail.