Appeal Court in Asaba Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

The Asaba Division of the Court of Appeal has overturned the judgment of the Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba, which had earlier discharged and acquitted Mr. Uchenna Ukpa, a defendant charged with rape.

In a landmark ruling delivered on December 17, 2025, the appellate court convicted Ukpa and sentenced him to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.

The judgment followed an appeal filed by the Delta State Government in Appeal No. CA/AS/179C/2024, challenging the High Court’s decision in Charge No. A/48C/2023.

Mr. Ukpa was arraigned before the Delta State High Court, Asaba Judicial Division, on a one-count charge of rape, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) and punishable under Section 4(1) of the Delta State Violence Against Persons Law, 2020.

During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses to establish its case, while the defendant testified in his own defence.

However, in a judgment delivered on February 20, 2024, the trial judge held that the prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt and consequently discharged and acquitted the defendant.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, the Delta State Ministry of Justice filed a notice of appeal dated May 2, 2024, challenging the acquittal.

The appeal was prosecuted by Mrs. Blessing Oweibe-Cookey of the Department of Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and Child’s Rights Unit of the Ministry of Justice.

After the exchange of briefs by both parties, the respondent’s brief was filed in August 2025, while oral arguments were taken on September 29, 2025.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the trial court erred in law by acquitting the defendant despite the weight of evidence presented by the prosecution.

The appellate court therefore allowed the appeal, set aside the High Court’s judgment, entered a verdict of guilt, and sentenced Mr. Ukpa to life imprisonment.

The ruling has been widely described as a significant victory for child protection, justice for survivors of sexual violence, and the enforcement of the Delta State Violence Against Persons Law.