By Rahim Abdul
A 22-year-old Lilongwe man identified as Essau Samuel, who was arrested after a 15-year-old girl went missing and was later found at his house, has been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for abduction and defilement.
The court through Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe heard that the girl went missing on December 25, 2025, and was found at Samuel’s house on January 3, 2026.
According to Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer (DPRO)Sergeant Khumbo Sanyiwa, the girl told authorities that Samuel had sexual intercourse with her several times while she was staying at his residence.
Samuel pleaded not guilty, but the State, led by Sub-Inspector Damiano Nyasulu, paraded six witnesses who helped prove the case.
In mitigation, Samuel asked for leniency, saying he was a first-time offender, while the prosecution called for a stiff sentence.
The court sentenced him to 14 years for defilement and three years and six months for abduction, with the sentences running concurrently.
Samuel hails from Kambalanje Village under Traditional Authority(T/A) Chingala in Lilongwe District.
