The Bauchi State High Court No. 6 has upheld the life imprisonment sentence for Yusuf Bako, a 50-year-old ex-convict, for the rape of a 4-year-old girl inside a mosque located in Bauchi metropolis.
The victim was lured by Bako to the mosque during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in September 2020.
Bako, who had previously served jail time for similar offenses, benefitted from a pardon by the state governor to decongest prisons amid the COVID-19 pandemic. READ ALSO: Bauchi court sends 2 men to 35 years imprisonment for harvesting girls private part .
The Director of Public Prosecution, Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Sha’awanatu Yusuf, highlighted the significance of the conviction in upholding justice for rape victims and emphasized the need for swift prosecution of suspected rape cases.
Sha’awanatu also urged parents and guardians to cooperate with authorities in the prosecution of suspected rape offenders, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that children who are victims of rape can appear in court and provide testimony.
The incident underscores the essential role of the VAPP Law, which was ratified by Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in 2022.
This law prescribes severe penalties, including the death penalty and life imprisonment for convicted rape suspects, signaling a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals in the state.
The conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address and prevent sexual violence, as well as the importance of justice and support for victims.
