Justice S.K. Jobarteh of the High Court has sentenced Moses Ukwai, a gardener from Kunkujang Mariama, to two life imprisonment terms after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting two minor girls on Easter Sunday in April 2025.
The conviction followed a two-count indictment under the Sexual Offences Act 2013, relating to offences against a seven-year-old and an eight-year-old child.
According to the prosecution, Ukwai allegedly lured several children to a garden in Kunkujang Mariama with the promise of Easter gifts commonly referred to as โsalibo.โ The incidents were said to have taken place at a garden where the accused worked.
During the trial, prosecutors called eight witnesses and tendered five exhibits in support of their case. Among the witnesses were the young victims, who testified about the events, as well as a registered nurse who examined the children and reported injuries consistent with physical assault.
The mother of one of the victims also testified, stating that she noticed unusual symptoms in her daughter after returning from the garden and later confronted the accused. Evidence before the court indicated that the accused left the community shortly after the allegations surfaced and was later apprehended.
Ukwai pleaded not guilty and testified as the sole witness in his defence. He denied the allegations and claimed they were fabricated.
In delivering judgment, Justice Jobarteh ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing the legal elements required for conviction under the law. The court relied on witness testimonies, medical evidence, and surrounding circumstances presented during the trial.
The judge also rejected the defence argument that the accusations were motivated by prejudice against the accused.
While handing down the sentence, Justice Jobarteh highlighted the vulnerability of the victims and the serious breach of trust involved in the offence.
Invoking the maximum penalty provided under the Sexual Offences Act, the court sentenced the accused as follows:
Count One: Life imprisonment
Count Two: Life imprisonment
The sentences mean the convict will serve two life imprisonment terms for the offences.
Source: kexx News
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