The Nigerian Court of Appeal in Sokoto State has sentenced Sani Ibrahim to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of two Qur’anic school pupils, breaking away from the previously lenient judgment rendered by a lower court.

Justice Ebiowei Tobi, presiding over the appeal, delivered a unanimous decision that overruled the initial three-year sentence for trespassing, which was deemed insufficient given the severity of the crime.

The decision came after a successful challenge by the state against what was perceived as a miscarriage of justice.

The lower court’s oversight in ignoring critical testimonies from the victims, referred to as PW2 and PW3 in court documents, was a significant factor leading to the appellate court’s decision.

Justice Tobi emphasized the importance of these eyewitness accounts in establishing Ibrahim’s guilt, stating, “These were direct eyewitness accounts that should not have been ignored by the lower court.”

Furthermore, a medical report corroborated by PW3 provided compelling evidence of penetration, which reinforced the charges against Ibrahim. Justice Tobi described the assault as “a crime against nature,” underscoring the gravity of the offense.

In announcing the court’s decision, Justice Tobi declared, “I hereby set aside the judgment of the lower court and sentence the respondent to life imprisonment.”

The ruling has been met with approval from legal authorities and the public alike. Chief State Counsel Barrister Murtala Gidanmadi lauded the verdict, highlighting its potential as a deterrent for similar crimes:

“This decision sends a strong message to those who think they can engage in such heinous acts with impunity.”