PORT — GENTIL, Gabon – In a recent ruling, the Tribunal for Children in Port-Gentil, the capital of the Ogooué-Maritime province, has sentenced an 18-year-old to three years in prison, with 18 months to be served immediately and 18 months on probation, for robbery with the use of a knife and sexual assault on another minor.
The incident, which occurred in April 2024, involved the accused approaching a fifth-grade student and demanding money, threatening him with a knife, and stealing 200 CFA francs.
The assault then escalated to a sexual act in an abandoned house, following which the victim reported the crime to school authorities and his parents. During the investigation and trial, the accused consistently denied the charges.
However, the victim’s consistent and coherent statements, along with other evidence gathered during the proceedings, convinced the investigating judge.
The judge, Loïc Mouguengui, ruled that the offenses of robbery with the use of a knife and sexual assault were adequately characterized, leading to the conviction.
The second minor involved in the case, Mwaka Minomi Moïse, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The accused, C. Y. B.
Has been in pre — trial detention since March 14, 2025, spending nearly 17 months behind bars before his sentence begins. This case has reignited discussions on juvenile delinquency and the need for enhanced prevention, guidance, and protection mechanisms for minors in both school and family settings. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Gabonese judicial system in handling minors and prison conditions.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
