A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years in prison for raping a three-month-old baby in Adogi, following years of public pressure and media advocacy led by Safer-Media Initiative.
The case, which occurred in May 2020, remained largely unknown until investigative reports by Safer-Media Initiative (SMI) brought it to light in 2022.
The organization’s consistent coverage and demand for justice prompted authorities to accelerate the trial and ensure the matter was not swept under the rug.
Delivering judgment on July 21, 2025, Chief Judge Justice Aisha Mohammed Bashiru ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The convict, Ahmadu Yaro, initially claimed to be mentally unstable but later admitted to committing the crime.
The baby, now five years old, underwent four surgeries following the assault.
The incident had thrown the Adogi community into shock and raised serious concerns about the handling of sexual violence cases in Nigeria.
State Attorney General and lead prosecutor, Isaac Danladi, described the judgment as a strong warning to others involved in similar crimes.
He praised the victim’s family, the Adogi community, and stakeholders for their persistence in seeking justice.
Defense counsel Dr. Umoru Yunusa said it took considerable effort to convince the convict to face trial as mentally competent.
Speaking after the verdict, the victim’s mother, Maimuna Aliyu, expressed relief and gratitude.
Maimuna who Spoke through an interpreter said: “This judgment brings peace to my heart. It will serve as a warning to others who think they can harm children and go free”.
She also shared that her daughter is now healthy and attending school, thanks to financial support from SMI reporter Esther Enna.
She thanked the Nasarawa State Government, judiciary, security agencies, and Safer-Media Initiative for their support throughout the case.
The conviction marks a major milestone in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, and highlights the role of media advocacy in holding institutions accountable and amplifying the voices of victims.
