A
Margistrate court in Taraba state has granted bail to a 48-year-old man, Samson
Zanuga William.
The
suspect, who is a journalist with Sunrise Newspaper Jalingo, Taraba state was
arrested on Monday, November 16 by the Police Headquarters Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Department, for allegedly raping his 16-year-old
daughter.
The
16-year old victim, who prefers to be
addressed as Whitney said her father started to molest her at the age of 14 and
her father would beat her with cabled wires leaving scars on her body and
threatened to kill her as well as stop paying her school fees if she told
anyone of the assault.
It was also
gathered that Whitney attempted suicide after she spoke to her grandmother and
aunty about the incident but was told to keep quiet and not bring shame to the
family, adding that she was rescued after drinking insecticide and taking to
the hospital where she was diagnosed with ovarian cysts but even at that, the
assault did not stop.
The Cameroonian
mother, Nges Becky Fuam who had her daughter taken away from her by her father
when she was 3 years old was finally informed of the assault by an aunt with
whom the daughter sought refuge after running away from home.
Nges Becky Fuam
noted that although the family of the suspect has pleaded that they drop the
case, she wants justice for her daughter and would not keep quiet.
After
Preliminary hearing of the case, the presiding Margistrate, Bartholomew,
granted the suspect bail of 1,000,000 naira, a surety who is civil servant on
grade level 12 and above with 2 passport photographs or a business man with a
land certificate occupancy.
She added that the
case has been adjourned to December 10, 2020.
An account has also
been opened for Whitney for financial support which include; medical bills for the ovarian cyst, other medical
check-ups, therapy and legal fees, among others.
To
support Whitney, reach the mother of the victim on WhatsApp only on 07037835217.
