Two clerics convicted for defiling four girls, aged between six and 11, wept openly as they were sentenced to 22 years jail term by a Minna Chief Magistrate Court II. Their putting the blame on the devil and pleading for leniency was rebuffed by the female judge.
The two Islamic teachers, Hassan Bilyaminu and Abdullahi Bilyaminu were convicted by Hajiya Hauwa Baba Yusuf, who said: ““They went ahead to described vividly how they pepertrated the act by luring these innocent girls into their room….
“This act is indeed grossly indecent and an assault that will leave a permanent and gruesome memory in the mind of these little girls.
“One wonders what people like the convicts derived from assaulting and defiling little girls. These have gone berserk, there must be more to this pandemic of sexual assault on little children.”
According to the Police fFrst Information Report (FIR), the offences were punishable under section, 285 of the penal code law and 19(2) of the Child’s right law of Niger State 2010.
The charge read that on the 2nd of August, 2020, one Lawal Idris of Tudun Nasira area of Maitumbi in Minna, represented three others, and reported that on 31st of July, 2020, Hassan Bilyaminu and Abdullahi Bilyaminu lured four of their pupils to their house and defiled the girls.
The charge read further, “During police investigation, you confessed to the commission of the crime. You are hereby suspected to have committed the above offences.”
The men pleaded guilty and police prosecutor, Sgt. Bello Mohammed prayed the court to convict them.