Man sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling 10-year-old girl in Cross River

Thursday, November 12, 2026 - A 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Cross River State.

He was convicted and sentenced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 by a High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu. 

The judgement was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, a non-governmental organisation protecting the rights of children and women. 

Commenting on the judgment, James I or, Esq., Principal Counsel of BRCI, lauded all the parties involved in ensuring the victim gets justice.

According to Ibor, the judgment reinforces the principle that every child has the right to live free from sexual violence, abuse and exploitation. 

“I commend the Cross River State Government for demonstrating a commitment to addressing sexual violence,” the lawyer said. 

"I also appreciate the Nigeria Police Force for its thorough investigation and the Honourable Attorney General, Ededem Ani, for standing firm in the pursuit of justice despite the pressures that came with the case.

"My sincere gratitude goes to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, and Mr. Joseph Apajung for their diligence and commitment to ensuring that the perpetrator was held accountable.

"I am particularly grateful to my team at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) for standing alongside the survivor and her family throughout this difficult journey.

"Their friends, supporting survivors of sexual assault of that age goes beyond securing convictions, protecting their privacy, patiently listening to their needs and ensuring that they and their families receive the support they need to heal and rebuild can be challenging in Nigeria.

"I also acknowledge our civil society and development partners, Safe Child Africa, @ActionAid Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria, for their invaluable support.

"While we welcome this judgment, we must remember that behind every case of sexual violence is a child whose safety, dignity and wellbeing must remain paramount. Justice must go beyond punishment to include protection, survivor-centred support, access to appropriate care and the prevention of further abuse.

“The fight against sexual violence must remain collective, sustained and firmly rooted in the rights and best interests of survivors.”