By Tina Amanda
A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has convicted Tombari Taol for the murder of a minor, Eedeebari Gonis, in November 2018 at Bori, Khana Local Government Area.
The trial judge, Justice Margaret Opara, found Taol guilty on a three-count charge of sexual abuse, unlawful sexual intercourse, and murder.
In her judgment, Justice Opara deferred sentencing to February 4, 2025. She explained that Taol, who was a minor at the time of the offense, could not face the death penalty. Instead, the court will determine whether he will serve a life sentence or be sent to a rehabilitation center.
Justice Opara also directed the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre to conduct a medical examination to assess Taol’s mental state, which will guide the court’s final decision on his sentencing.
Speaking to journalists after the judgment, prosecuting lawyer Aya Adaye-Orugbani expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the trial.
“In view of the fact that the convict is also a child, the court in his wisdom has directed. It is fair because he is a child and we hope he can be fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.”
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers State, Emi George, and her predecessor, Antonia Osademe, also reacted to the court’s decision. Both commended the judicial process while calling for justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
