A Rivers State Family Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 75-year-old man, Promise Chukwumatti, to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for defiling an 11-year-old girl.

The court heard that Chukwumatti lured the girl with gifts of money while she was on her way to school before having carnal knowledge of her several times in his apartment.

Delivering judgment, Justice Rita Oguguo held that the prosecution had proved the charge of defilement beyond reasonable doubt through oral testimony, the convict’s confessional statement and other evidence presented before the court.

The judge noted that the offence ordinarily attracts life imprisonment but said the court took into consideration the fact that the convict’s children are motherless before imposing a 10-year prison term without the option of a fine.

She described Chukwumatti as “a shame to fatherhood” and ordered that his name be entered into the Rivers State register of rapists.

Justice Oguguo also issued a restraining order barring him and his family from going near the victim’s family.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Chukwumatti to pay N1 million to the victim’s family as compensation.

The prosecution was led by the Chief State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Precious Ordu, whose case the court upheld in its judgment.

Ordu welcomed the verdict, saying it would serve as a deterrent to those contemplating similar offences.