A Magistrate Court in Injiwaji, Damaturu, has sentenced 22-year-old Rabilu Sani to 12 years in prison after finding him guilty of raping a four-year-old girl in Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge of Magistrate Court 1 ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and handed down a 12-year jail term without the option of a fine.

The court also clarified that medical examinations confirmed the convict is not infected with HIV, addressing earlier widespread speculation.

The Yobe State Government, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Ya Jalo Badama, played a key role in pursuing justice for the victim following several months of legal proceedings.