In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through Bayelsa State, Nigeria, a High Court in Yenagoa has sentenced 41-year-old Baridapsi Needam to 17 years in prison for the rape and impregnation of his teenage daughter. The verdict, delivered by Justice D. E. Adokeme, marks a significant moment in the state’s fight against child abuse and sexual violence.
The horrific details of the case emerged when members of the Gender Response Initiative Team, a local advocacy group, reported Needam to the police in 2022. Suspicions were raised when a concerned neighbor noticed that Needam’s 14-year-old daughter, then in JSS3, was five months pregnant.
Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that began shortly after the death of Needam’s wife. The victim, who gave birth to a baby girl during the trial, had reportedly been subjected to sexual molestation by her father since the age of seven. The abuse escalated to rape in 2020, culminating in her pregnancy in 2022.
Prosecuting counsel Pere Amanda Egbuson, Deputy Director in the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, presented compelling evidence to the court, including a DNA test that confirmed with 99.99% certainty that Needam was the father of his daughter’s child. This scientific evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
Justice Adokeme, in her ruling, stated, “The prosecution has led credible evidence and made reference to the DNA result which revealed 99.99 per cent report that Needam is the father of the child.” The court found Needam guilty of rape, sentencing him to 14 years imprisonment for this charge, with an additional three years added to his sentence.
The verdict has been hailed as a victory by child protection advocates and civil society organizations in Bayelsa State. Dise Harry, founder of Do Foundation and a prominent voice against violence against women, expressed excitement over the court’s decision, viewing it as a step forward in the fight against child abuse.
Egbuson, speaking after the judgment, emphasized its deterrent effect: “The judgment will serve as a deterrent to others who engage in such unimaginable acts. A strong message has been sent that the court will not tolerate such heinous acts.”
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of child protection and sexual abuse in Nigeria, while also demonstrating the critical role of DNA evidence in securing convictions for such crimes. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance and support for victims of abuse, as well as the need for swift and decisive action by law enforcement and the judiciary.
As Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole continue to grapple with issues of child abuse and sexual violence, this verdict serves as a powerful reminder of the legal consequences awaiting perpetrators and the commitment of the justice system to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
