In a landmark judgment delivered on February 25, 2026, Bassey Okon Effiong, the proprietor of God’s Excellent Academy, Mbiabong, Ikot Essien, has been convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape. The successful prosecution of Suit Number HU/66C/2025 (State vs. Bassey Okon Effiong) marks a significant victory for child rights, driven by the relentless intervention of the Family Empowerment & Youth Re-orientation Path Initiative (FEYReP).
The case uncovered a harrowing ordeal that began in 2018. Effiong had repeatedly sexually abused the victim, who was only eight years old at the time. Using his position as the school proprietor. The defendant intimidated the minor, threatening to fail her academically and force her to repeat classes if she disclosed the abuse. The abuse continued unchecked until 2022.
Justice was finally set in motion in 2024 when the survivor summoned the courage to disclose the abuse to her parents during a family meeting. The parents immediately reported the matter to FEYReP, leading to a comprehensive intervention that handled the case from disclosure to judgment.
FEYReP’s involvement was pivotal from the outset. On December 17, 2024, the organization briefed the Family Unit at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and formally submitted a petition to the State CID. The following day, December 18, 2024, FEYReP personnel escorted the survivor to the Akwa Ibom State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Uyo for a critical medical examination. Beyond legal logistics, FEYReP provided sustained psychosocial counseling to help the child heal and facilitated the swift arrest of the offender.
Following police investigation, the case was charged to court for the offence of rape through, The Sexual and Gender Based Violence Department of the Ministry of Justice who assigned Ruth K. Mfon, Esq. as prosecutor for the litigation.
Before Hon. Justice Ntekim, of High Court, Uyo, the evidence presented was sufficient to secure a conviction. The Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
This judgment underscores the effectiveness of collaborative justice, where FEYReP’s end-to-end support including, medical, psychological, and legal assistance —ensured that silence was broken and justice was served.
