Man Gets 21 Years for R@ping 3-Month-Old in Nasarawa

In a shocking development that has reverberated throughout Nigeria, a High Court in Nasarawa State has handed down a 21-year prison sentence to 27-year-old Ahmadu Yaro for the horrifying defilement of a three-month-old baby in the Adogi community of the Lafia Local Government Area.

Justice Abdul Dogo’s ruling represents a significant stride in the battle against sexual violence against minors—a crime that continues to afflict communities across the nation.

The incident came to light in May 2025, after the baby’s mother, Maimuna Aliyu, discovered serious injuries on her child. Medical examinations revealed the unthinkable: the infant had suffered sexual assault, resulting in life-threatening complications that required multiple surgeries.

“It was the work of the devil”— Suspect’s Disturbing Confession

When presented by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Yaro made a chilling but ambiguous confession:

“I don’t even know what pushed me to do such a thing. I promise I won’t do it again. It was the devil’s work that led me to commit this act.”

His statements failed to sway public sentiment, as many Nigerians are calling for the harshest punishment possible. The mother of the victim, clearly heartbroken, urged for justice:

“Now that the government has arrested him and he confessed, he should face the consequences he deserves.”

A Legal Triumph, Yet a Long Journey to Healing

The court’s ruling has received widespread acclaim, especially from advocates for children’s rights who stress that harsher penalties are essential to discourage these heinous acts. Nevertheless, this case also serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional trauma endured by victims.

The infant has already undergone three major surgeries, with doctors needing to create an alternative way for waste to exit her body due to internal damage, and a fourth operation is still required.