Nigerian Appeal Court Sentences Man to Life in Prison for Assaulting Sokoto Qur’anic School Pupils

The Nigerian Court of Appeal in Sokoto State has sentenced Sani Ibrahim to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting two Qur’anic school pupils, often known as Almajiris. The appellate court’s decision, led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, came after the initial ruling by a lower court was challenged for leniency.

The initial judgment had sentenced Ibrahim to three years for trespassing, a sentence that the Court of Appeal deemed insufficient for the crime committed. Justice Tobi highlighted that the lower court had disregarded crucial testimonies from the victims, identified as PW2 and PW3, whose accounts were essential in proving the offense.

“These were direct eyewitness accounts that should not have been ignored by the lower court,” remarked Justice Tobi. He further cited a medical report provided by PW3, which confirmed penetration, bolstering the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Describing the act as a “crime against nature,” Justice Tobi stated, “I hereby set aside the judgment of the lower court and sentence the respondent to life imprisonment.” He emphasized the necessity of the ruling as a deterrent against similar offenses.

Following the verdict, Chief State Counsel Barrister Murtala Gidanmadi commended the decision, expressing hope that the ruling would act as a warning to deter similar acts and uphold justice for vulnerable victims.