A 62-year old randy pastor, Alfred Idonogie was on Friday sentenced to two years in prison by an Egor Magistrate Court in Benin, Edo State, southern Nigeria, for defiling a 10-year old girl.
The convict was, however, granted an option of fine of N200,000 after he would have served six months out of the two years term.
The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Taye Omoruyi, found Idonogie guilty after the prosecutor called five witnesses.
Omoruyi held that the prosecution witnesses, including the girl, her grandmother, the investigating police officer and a medical doctor established that there was penetration into the little girl’s private part.
The court also held that the accused committed the offence on 25 June, 2012 at Onaghino Street, Medical Stores Road, Benin City.
Not satisfied with the judgment, Counsel to the accused, U. Osa-Uwagie, indicated his interest to appeal against the judgment.
Coordinator, Edo State Child Protection Network, Ms. Jennifer Ero, who took up the matter, described the judgment as a victory for the child.
She urged other stakeholders to be committed to the fight against child abuse.