10-Year-old Rape Victim Dies In Port Harcourt Hospital, Alleged Rapist Arrested

Monday July 18, 2016 – 10-Year-old Rape Victim Dies In Port Harcourt Hospital, Alleged Rapist Arrested

A young girl allegedly defiled by a kiosk owner in PH, Rivers state has died of her injuries days.

The 10-year-old child allegedly rape by a man identified as Mallam Bashir in Rumuibekwe area of Port Harcourt earlier this week died in a private hospital after doctors battled to save her life for days.

Following the incident, the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) have embarked on a campaign for Bashir not to be granted bail until he is tried.

The state chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs. Lillian Okonkwo, alleged that friends and relatives of Bashir had been making efforts to get him out on bail. Okonkwo said that the police were initially reluctant to arrest Bashir until NAWOJ and FIDA mounted pressure on them.

She said:

“It is unfortunate that she died. But we are appealing that the bail being sought by the relatives of Bashir should not be granted.”

Okonkwo also appealed to Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalebo Banigo-Harry, and the governor’s wife, Justice Suzette Wike, to intervene in the matter as women.