Cross River Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Child Sexual Abuse of 13-Year-Old
A 27-year-old man, Edidiong Cletus Nyojole, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for child sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old girl in Cross River State, in a ruling that child protection advocates say reinforces the justice system’s stance against crimes targeting children.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, by Family Court 2 sitting in Calabar, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu.
The court found that the convict sexually abused the child in the Uwanse area of Calabar after forcibly taking her into an uncompleted building alongside an accomplice who is still at large.
In delivering the judgment, the court relied on medical evidence, witness testimonies, and the defendant’s own admission during trial. The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment and also ordered the payment of ₦1,000,000 as compensation to the child.
The case was prosecuted with the support of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-governmental organisation focused on protecting children and supporting vulnerable groups, including indigent women.
BRCI described the conviction as a strong signal that perpetrators of child sexual abuse will face full consequences under the law. The organisation also commended law enforcement agencies and the judiciary for ensuring the case was properly prosecuted.
Ongoing Safeguarding Concerns
Child rights advocates say the case highlights the continued need for stronger safeguarding systems, including better community reporting structures, prevention strategies, and early intervention mechanisms to protect children from sexual abuse.
They stress that while prosecution is important, prevention through education, awareness, and stronger child protection policies remains critical to reducing incidents.
As cases of child sexual abuse continue to surface, how effective are existing safeguarding policies, and are government, caregivers, and communities doing enough to prevent harm before children are exposed to abuse?
