Akwa Ibom Prophet Receives 21-Year Sentence for Raping 10-Year-Old Stepdaughter

A Prophet by the name of Anwana Peter Essien has been sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Okoita, Ibiono Ibom local government. The 37-year-old was convicted of raping his 10-year-old stepdaughter on August 9, 2019. The incident occurred when the victim and her younger sister were brought to their stepfather’s house at Itiam Street, Uyo. During his evidence, the convict confessed that a demon ‘pushed’ him to forcefully have intercourse with the minor. He admitted to removing her clothes and not using a condom.

Presiding Judge, Justice Okon Okon found Anwana Essien guilty as charged and accordingly convicted him. The judge noted that it was despicable and depressing that the supposed man of God overpowered and defiled an innocent child. Justice Okon also stated that the 21 years imprisonment is with effect from when the convict was taken into custody in the Custodial Centre, Uyo. The convict begged the court to release him, as he has a son that has nobody to take care of him.