A Magistrate Court sitting in Injiyaji, Damaturu, has sentenced 22-year-old Rabilu Sani to 12 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for raping a 4-year-old girl in Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The court, presided over by the judge of Magistrate Court 1, found Sani guilty after trial and convicted him of the offence which occurred last year. According to details of the case, the convict lured the minor into a room and raped her before he was arrested by security operatives on November 9, 2025.
Following the completion of police investigation, Sani was promptly charged to court. The presiding magistrate confirmed that the prosecution successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In a brief ruling delivered on the matter, the court also disclosed that further medical examinations carried out on the convict showed he is not infected with HIV.
The Yobe State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, played a key role in ensuring justice for the young victim. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Ya Jalo Badama, led the state’s intervention, providing support throughout the months-long legal battle until the judgment was delivered.
Reacting to the sentence, stakeholders in the state described it as a strong message against child sexual abuse, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving minors.
The victim is said to be receiving necessary medical and psychosocial support as arranged by the state government.