The recent events surrounding the unsettling case have sparked intense discussions and speculations within the local community. The emotional testimony delivered by the father of the alleged victim resonated deeply in the courtroom, capturing the public’s attention.
According to the complainant’s account, the defendant, identified as Ugo Emmanuel, reportedly threatened his daughter with death if she disclosed the incident. The grievance stated that on May 29, 2022, the accused engaged in sexual activity with his daughter after concealing the act for some time. The complainant revealed that they resided in the same building, with his family occupying a single room.
The father of the victim shared, “We had a cordial relationship, and I had placed my trust in him. I noticed that my daughter was bleeding, initially assuming it was due to her menstrual cycle. I purchased sanitary pads, but when the bleeding persisted, we sought medical assistance.”
“Upon examination at Kirikiri Hospital, it was diagnosed as an infection, necessitating a payment of ₦180,000, an amount I couldn’t gather independently. Amid financial constraints, I reached out to several individuals for support, including the defendant, who worked as a generator technician.”
The witness recounted discovering his daughter’s alleged assault on a Sunday after returning home with his wife. His wife had observed their daughter leaving the defendant’s residence.
“When we returned one Sunday, our daughter was not in the room. After multiple calls went unanswered, my wife informed me that she had seen our daughter exiting Ugo Emmanuel’s apartment.”
“Inquiring about the incident, I urged my daughter to divulge the truth, cautioning her about repercussions for concealing information. It was then that she disclosed that Ugo Emmanuel had coerced her into intercourse on the pretext of buying food. She revealed that he covered her face with a pillow and despite her resistance, he assaulted her, leading to her bleeding.”
The father disclosed that his daughter confided in him that the defendant had used threats of violence to silence her. Overwhelmed by his daughter’s ordeal, he expressed his outrage.
“While my initial impulse was to confront the accused, I was advised against taking matters into my hands. Consequently, I alerted the authorities and lodged a complaint at the Kirikiri police station following the accused’s arrest.”
The defense counsel contested the veracity of these testimonies, citing a financial dispute between the plaintiff and the defendant, along with gifts that the defendant purportedly offered to the plaintiff’s daughter.
This case prompts profound contemplation on issues of trust, abuse of power, and the imperative to safeguard victims. It underlines the crucial need to provide unwavering support to survivors of sexual assault and to uphold equitable justice for all.
This case necessitates meticulous consideration and a call for decisive measures to prevent and combat sexual assault while extending vital support to survivors on their path to recovery.
For more information, you can visit these related articles:
1.