Court sentences Okada rider to life imprisonment for raping nursing mother in Akwa Ibom
Uyo High Court Sentences Motorcycle Rider to Life Imprisonment for Rape
UYO, Akwa Ibom State — The Akwa Ibom State High Court sentenced Micheal Effiong Japhet, a commercial motorcycle rider, to life imprisonment on Tuesday for the rape of a married woman and nursing mother.
Hon. Justice Archibong Archibong found Japhet guilty of rape and theft, offenses punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on February 23, 2015, when the victim, who sells fruits, hired Japhet’s motorcycle to travel from Ikom Iman Junction to her home in Ikot Ofon after a day’s work. Instead of following the main route, Japhet diverted to a remote area, claiming he had run out of fuel.
During the incident, Japhet threatened the victim with a knife, demanding her purse, which contained 7,000 naira and a Nokia phone. Despite the victim’s pleas that she was a nursing mother and married, he sexually assaulted her.
The victim later saw Japhet while en route to her business and informed her husband, who promptly arrived at the scene, retrieved the stolen phone, and ensured the suspect was taken into police custody.
In his ruling, Justice Archibong sentenced Japhet to life imprisonment for rape and an additional three years for theft.