Man tells court he became impotent while trying to rape victim

A man convicted for abetment in a rape case has told a court in Maiduguri that he suffered impotence while trying to rape a lady.

Jibrin Yuguda and Shuaibu Isa, all from Shani  Local Government Area were found guilty of abetment and acts of gross indecency contrary to sections 85 and 285 of the penal code laws of Borno State.

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They were said to have pounced on their victim while working on her farm, wrestled her to the ground, removed her dresses and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

In his statement to the police, Jibrin said he wrestled her on the ground and removed her cloth but was unable to abuse her because he became impotent.

He then held her hands to enable his co-convict, Shuaibu Isa, rape her, he said.

In his judgment, Justice Gana Wakkil of Borno State High Court convicted them on  lesser charges of abetment and gross indecency because the prosecution had failed to prove the offence of rape against them beyond reasonable doubt.

He said proof of rape case was technical and the prosecution was unable to produce a medical report on the victim while a doctor could not appear after several adjournments.

He said rape was rampant in society nowadays and urged counsel to be proactive in prosecuting rape cases, which carry life imprisonment on conviction.

The judge sentenced Jibrin to one year imprisonment without option of fine for abetment and sentenced Shuaibu to three years without option of fine.