Man sentenced to 13 years, 20 strokes for abusing neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter in Niger

A man identified as Aliyu Bala has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and 20 strokes of the cane for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State.

The court also ordered Bala to pay ₦250,000 in compensation to the victim.

Following the judgment, authorities took the convict to the Hakimi Palace in Bosso, where the sentence of 20 strokes was publicly carried out in the presence of community members.

The Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Ummul-kalthume Muhammad, described the public enforcement as an unprecedented step aimed at demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse.

She said the action was intended to send a strong warning to anyone who believes they can abuse children and escape the consequences.

Muhammad also urged communities to stop shielding or concealing individuals accused of committing sexual offences against children.

A representative of the Niger State Ministry of Justice, Shafa, described the judgment as significant and potentially influential in the handling of similar cases.

She urged members of the public to report suspected child abuse cases rather than allowing offenders to evade justice.

According to her, the victim’s mother had initially considered withdrawing the case but later decided to allow the legal process to continue after understanding the importance of seeking justice for her daughter and ensuring the accused was held accountable.

The Hakimi of Bosso, Malam Muazu Adamu Laka, said he had never witnessed such a judgment being publicly enforced in his community.

He welcomed the decision, saying the public enforcement would help residents understand the seriousness of child sexual abuse and serve as a deterrent to others.

The case has renewed calls for parents, traditional rulers and community members to take stronger action against child sexual abuse and report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.

The Niger State Child Rights Agency stressed that the punishment was not only about the offender but also intended to send a wider message that anyone who abuses children should expect serious consequences under the law.

“Always report abuse against children in your community to Niger State Child Rights Agency or any police division in your community,” the agency said.

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