Abia State has convicted and imprisoned two men for sexually assaulting minors, marking a significant victory in the state's fight against gender-based violence. The convictions came through a Family Court sitting at the Umuahia High Court, with sentences handed down following prosecution by state authorities.
One offender received 30 years in prison for raping a teenager, while the second man was jailed for 10 years after defiling a five-year-old child. Information commissioner Okey Kanu disclosed the convictions on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House following the week's Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Both victims are now receiving care at the state's Sexual Assault Referral and Treatment Centre in Aba. The facility provides medical and psychological support to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse across the state.
In a related development, authorities tracked down a 35-year-old sexual offence suspect who had fled to Nasarawa State after committing his crime. Police brought him back to Abia to stand trial for his offences.
The suspect pleaded guilty to charges when arraigned on July 9, 2026, leading to immediate conviction the same day. His quick guilty plea shortened court proceedings significantly.
Abia State commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Ngozi Blessing Felix confirmed the convictions and outlined a new deterrent measure. "We have opened a sexual offenders' register at the Ministry of Justice for naming and shaming convicted sexual offenders," she told reporters.
The register will document the names of all convicted offenders following sentencing, making their identities public knowledge. According to Felix, the strategy aims to discourage potential offenders and protect vulnerable residents.
"When somebody is caught and convicted, their names go into the register," she said, adding that this approach "serves as a deterrent to those who may become potential offenders in the future."
Felix issued a direct warning to would-be perpetrators operating in the state. She stressed that the government remains committed to prosecuting sexual crimes and holding offenders accountable through both imprisonment and public identification.
The convictions represent progress in tackling a persistent challenge facing Abia communities. State authorities have signalled their determination to pursue offenders regardless of where they flee.
Health commissioner Prof. Enoch Uche also briefed reporters during the session, reporting positive developments in public health.
Between January and March 2026, Abia recorded a drastic decline in the infant mortality rate, he disclosed.
The state government credited improved healthcare access and maternal services with driving the improvement in child survival outcomes.
