A Nasarawa State High Court in Lafia has sentenced 27-year-old Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years in prison with hard labour for the rape of a three-month-old baby, an act described by the presiding judge as “barbaric and demonic.”
Delivering the long-awaited judgment, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu condemned the assault as “a direct attack on the moral conscience of society.” The judge noted that the sentence is not only justice for the infant victim but also serves as a powerful deterrent to other potential offenders.
The case, which dates back to May 2020, had dragged for over five years. Yaro, a resident of Adogi Village in Lafia Local Government Area, was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after reports emerged of the brutal sexual assault.
The Nasarawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Isaac Danladi, who was present at the court, lauded the ruling as a landmark decision in the state’s fight against sexual violence.
“This ruling is not only a relief to the victim’s family but also sends a strong message that Nasarawa State has zero tolerance for sexual violence, especially against children,” Danladi stated.
According to reports, the baby sustained severe injuries and was initially rushed to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia. Due to the extent of the injuries, she was later referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau State for specialized treatment.
Authorities say the brutal crime shocked the local community and sparked public outrage, leading to widespread calls for swift and decisive justice.
Yaro will now serve a 21-year term behind bars, with hard labour, as ruled by the court.
