Nsikak Friday Okon was convicted by a state High Court after a trial supported by child rights advocates, who have called for continued protection, care and psychosocial support for the young survivor.

A Cross River State High Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man, Nsikak Friday Okon, to life imprisonment for raping a 10-year-old girl.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu, brings the legal proceedings against Okon to an end, with the court handing down the maximum punishment following his conviction for the sexual assault of the minor.

The verdict has been welcomed by child rights advocates, who described the ruling as a significant step towards protecting children from sexual violence and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the young survivor and her family throughout the trial, commended the court for delivering justice.

The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of the Cross River State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the State Ministry of Justice, noting their roles in ensuring the successful prosecution of the case.

Among those specifically recognised were the state Attorney-General, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam; and Joseph Apajung, for their contributions to securing the conviction.

However, BRCI stressed that the conclusion of the trial should not mark the end of efforts to support the young survivor.

The organisation emphasised that protecting the child's identity and respecting her privacy must remain a priority, warning that survivors of sexual abuse require more than legal victories to recover from their experiences.

It called for sustained support for the girl and her family, including access to appropriate medical care, psychosocial assistance and other necessary interventions to help her rebuild her life.

BRCI further urged government agencies, law enforcement authorities, child protection organisations and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to prevent sexual violence, strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure that victims receive timely assistance.

The organisation maintained that every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from abuse, exploitation and violence.

It also called on relevant institutions to remain committed to defending children's rights, dignity and wellbeing, stressing that justice must extend beyond the courtroom to include the protection, recovery and long-term welfare of survivors.