It is no longer a jolly ride for suspected rape offenders in Akwa Ibom State.
This follows the signing of the Violence Against Persons Bill into law by Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Henceforth, any person convicted of a rape case is liable for life imprisonment in the State.
Confirming this to Straightnews publisher on Saturday, June 20, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, the state Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice, said the Governor signed the bill into law on June 10 to punish offenders of the crime.
The law that had been passed by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly into is entitled: A Law to eliminate violence in private and public life, all forms of violence against persons and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders and for other matters connected therewith.
The Act states that any person convicted for intentionally penetrating vagina, anus or mouth of another with any part of his or her body or anything else without the consent of another is liable to life imprisonment.
It further states that 14 years of imprisonment is prescribed for an offender who is less than 14 years.
The Act gives the court prerogative to award compensation to the victim as it deems fit.
“Any person who attempts to commit the offence of rape is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for 14 years without whipping,” the law states.
