The Jigawa State High Court No. 11 in Ringim has sentenced Abubakar Biniya to 10 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by Justice Muhammad El-Usman. Biniya, who lives in Galadanchi Quarters, Ringim Local Government Area, was found guilty of the offence, which he committed in January 2024.
The Jigawa State Ministry of Justice prosecuted the case, calling six witnesses and presenting five exhibits, including a medical report. Biniya testified in his defence but did not call any other witness. The judge considered Biniya's plea for leniency and his status as a first-time offender before passing the sentence.
In addition to the prison sentence, Justice El-Usman ordered Biniya to pay N500,000 in compensation to the victim. The court also directed the Ministry of Justice to add his name to the Jigawa State Sexual Offenders Register and ordered radio stations to publicly announce his conviction, in accordance with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law No. 02 of 2021.
The parties have three months to appeal the judgment. The court's decision is a significant step in the fight against child abuse and sexual offences in Jigawa State. The case was one of several that were heard by the court on Tuesday, with three other defendants being discharged in separate cases due to lack of evidence.
The three discharged defendants include 55-year-old Sale Kurma of Tsinaho Village, Taura LGA, and 22-year-old Mansur Ahmed of Tsira Village, Ringim LGA, who faced rape charges. Haruna Ahmadu of Marawa Village, Ringim LGA, who faced charges of criminal conspiracy and robbery, was also discharged. The prosecution failed to prove the cases against them.
The judgment has been welcomed by advocates for victims of sexual offences, who have been calling for stronger laws and stricter penalties for perpetrators. The case highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent and prosecute sexual offences, particularly against children and vulnerable individuals.
The Idoma Voice Newspaper understands that the case is a significant milestone in the efforts of the Jigawa State government to tackle the issue of child abuse and sexual offences. The government has been working to strengthen its laws and institutions to better protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- A 50-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl in Jigawa State, Nigeria.
- The court ordered the perpetrator to pay N500,000 in compensation to the victim and directed the Ministry of Justice to add his name to the Jigawa State Sexual Offenders Register.
- Three other defendants were discharged in separate cases due to lack of evidence.
