Court Remands Suspect As GADA Pushes Justice For Seven-Year-Old Survivor

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Amid growing concerns over a surge in rape and gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Cross River State, Gender and Development Action (GADA) has secured court action in an alleged child rape case involving a seven-year-old girl, reinforcing efforts to strengthen justice delivery for survivors.

The development comes as records compiled by stakeholders show an increase in reported GBV cases across the state between October 2025 and March 2026.

During the period, the Police Gender Unit recorded 18 rape cases, the Citizens’ Rights Department handled 53 cases, while GADA documented five cases involving rape and intimate partner violence, with additional cases reported by partner organisations awaiting submission.

In the latest case, a 41-year-old man identified as Victor Igele Ugboko, popularly known as “Governor 41” of Nfum in Yala Local Government Area, was arraigned before Family Court 2 in Calabar on Monday, June 2, 2026, over allegations of raping a minor.

According to reports presented before the court, the seven-year-old survivor allegedly suffered severe physical injuries following the incident and was reportedly unable to sit or walk comfortably.

Gender Desk and Programme officer Roseline Unimuke in a interview told Truth Live News that GADA, which provided support in pursuing justice for the child, said its intervention helped ensure that the matter was brought before the court for prosecution.

Presiding Judge, Justice Blessing Egwu, after hearing the matter, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

The Gender Desk officer revealed that the court subsequently adjourned the case to June 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The arraignment is the latest in a series of efforts by government agencies, civil society organisations and justice sector actors to address sexual and gender-based violence in Cross River State, where advocates have continued to raise concerns over the vulnerability of women and children to abuse.

Stakeholders say the increasing number of reported cases underscores the need for stronger protection mechanisms, timely investigations, survivor-centred support services and speedy prosecution of offenders.

GADA has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at restoring public confidence in reporting abuse, supporting survivors through legal processes and advocating reforms to improve access to justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the challenges faced by child survivors of sexual abuse and the importance of sustained collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society groups and community leaders in combating the menace.