By John Joseph
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In a landmark judgment, a High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has convicted Tombari Taol for the gruesome murder of a minor, Eedeebari Gonis, which occurred in November 2018 at Bori, Khana Local Government Area ¹. The trial judge, Justice Margaret Opara, found Taol guilty on a three-count charge of sexual abuse, unlawful sexual intercourse, and murder.
While Taol faces the possibility of life imprisonment, Justice Opara has deferred sentencing to February 4, 2025. The judge explained that the death penalty cannot be imposed since Taol was a minor at the time of the offense. This decision highlights the complexities of juvenile justice and the need for rehabilitation.
In a notable move, Justice Opara directed the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre to conduct a medical examination on Taol to determine his mental state. This assessment will inform the court’s decision on whether Taol will serve a life sentence or be sent to a rehabilitation center. This approach prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration, acknowledging that Taol was also a child at the time of the offense.
The prosecuting lawyer, Aya Adaye-Orugbani, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, while the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Emi George, and former FIDA Chairperson, Antonia Osademe, commended the judgment. George emphasized the importance of protecting children and ensuring justice for victims of such crimes. Osademe welcomed the conviction, stating that justice has finally been served for Eedeebari.
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