An Anambra State High Court, specifically the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, has sentenced a 34-year-old school teacher to 12 years imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old student.
The teacher, Mr. Pascal Ofomata, was found guilty of sexually assaulting his student, a Junior Secondary One pupil at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary in the 3-3 area of Onitsha.
Following the verdict, the presiding judge, Justice Peace Otti, praised the dedication and legal expertise of the prosecution counsel, Chinelo Akorah Esq., for diligently pursuing the case to its conclusion.
Justice Otti noted that Akorah’s final argument was both compelling and thorough, adding that it is uncommon for cases involving sexual abuse of boys to be seen through to justice, making the outcome especially significant.
The defendant had earlier denied having canal knowledge of the boy, stating that he never penetrated the victim’s anus, he, however, admitted that the victim sucked his penis and that he told him to kiss him.
The court, however, upheld the case after an intense and intriguing trial that involved the testimonies of the investigating police officer and the doctor who examined the victim.
The defendant was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
The defendant, Pascal Ofomata had earlier pleaded not guilty in the three count charge prefered against him.
He was charged with rape and inflicting physical harm on the boy, a charge that is punishable under section 3(1), 4 (1) respectively of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra State.
The third charge against him is the offense of sexual abuse punishable under section 35 (2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.
The court, in addition, barred him from getting employment in any establishment with persons under 18 such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions.
