A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced Mr. Endurance Ime Sandy to death by hanging after finding him guilty of raping a minor. The judgment brings closure to a case that sparked outrage across the state.
The court found that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. In line with Section 221 of the Cross River State Criminal Law, which prescribes capital punishment for defilement of a child under 11, the presiding judge handed down the death sentence. The judge noted that crimes against children erode societal trust and must be met with the full weight of the law.
Proceedings showed that the offense occurred in Calabar and was reported to authorities, who investigated and charged Mr. Sandy to court. During trial, evidence and witness testimonies were presented before the court reached its verdict. The convict was led away immediately after sentencing.
Child rights advocates and civil society groups in Cross River welcomed the judgment, calling it a strong message of deterrence. They urged parents, schools, and communities to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of abuse promptly to law enforcement and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Legal experts say the sentence reaffirms Nigeria’s stance under the Child Rights Act and state laws that protect minors from sexual violence. Appeals processes remain available to the convict under Nigerian law, but the court’s decision stands as a warning that perpetrators will face severe consequences.
For survivors and families, authorities continue to provide support through counseling, medical care, and legal aid. The Cross River State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence and encouraged anyone with information on abuse to contact the police, NAPTIP, or child protection hotlines.
