A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, presided over by Justice Peace Otti, has sentenced a 34-year-old schoolteacher to 12 years imprisonment for defiling his 11-year-old male JSS 1 student.
The defendant, Pascal Ofomata, was charged with rape and inflicting physical harm punishable under Section 3(1), 4(1), respectively of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, and the offense of Sexual Abuse punishable under Section 35 (2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.
However, Ofomata, a teacher at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary, 33 Onitsha, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.
In his extrajudicial statement, the defendant denied penetrating the victim’s anus, stating that he never penetrated the victim’s anus.
He, however, admitted in his statement to the police that he sucked the victim’s penis and asked him to kiss him.Related News
After an intense and intriguing trial, and the evaluation of the investigating police officer and the doctor who examined the victim, the court, therefore, upheld the case of the prosecuting counsel and convicted the defendant and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment.
In the court documents PUNCH Metro obtained on Wednesday, the court, in addition, barred the defendant from being employed in any establishment with persons under 18 such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions.
Justice Otti commended the lead prosecutor, Chinelo Akorah, of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice for her industry and brilliance in handling the matter.
“The lead prosecutor’s final address was compelling and comprehensive. It was rare for cases of sexual offences against boys to receive conclusive end and justice served to offenders,” Otti added.
Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed satisfaction, adding, “The Anambra State justice system delivers nothing short of justice. This case is a rare push for justice for the boy-child and awareness that boys too can be victims of sexual violence.” – Ikenna Obianeri
Source; The Punch News.
