JUST IN: Nasarawa Court Sentences 27-Year-Old to 21 Years for Raping Three-Month-Old Baby

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a landmark ruling, the Nasarawa State High Court has sentenced 27-year-old Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years imprisonment for the horrific rape of a three-month-old baby. The judgment, delivered on Monday, July 21, 2025, by Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, has been hailed as a strong stance against sexual violence in Nigeria.

The case, which began in May 2020, shocked the nation when Yaro, a resident of Adogi Village in Lafia Local Government Area, was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for sexually assaulting and brutally injuring the infant. The victim was rushed to the Dalhatu Arab Specialist Hospital in Lafia, but due to the severity of her condition, she was referred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for advanced medical care.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Bashir-Aliyu described the act as “barbaric, demonic, and a direct attack on the moral conscience of society.” She sentenced Yaro to 21 years with hard labor, stating that the punishment would serve as justice for the victim and a deterrent to others.

The trial, which spanned five years, saw the prosecution, led by the Nasarawa State Attorney General, Barr. Isaac Danladi, present compelling evidence against Yaro.

A commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding children

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commended the verdict, calling it “a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding children.” She urged other states to emulate Nasarawa’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence.

The ruling has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing relief and support for the victim’s family. This judgment underscores Nasarawa’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and ensuring justice for heinous crimes.