A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, under the leadership of Justice Peace Otti, has sentenced 34-year-old schoolteacher Pascal Ofomata to 12 years in prison for r@ping his 11-year-old male student, who was enrolled in Junior Secondary School 1.
Ofomata, employed as a teacher at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary in 3-3 Onitsha, was charged with rape and causing physical harm, offenses punishable under Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law. Additionally, he faced charges of sexual abuse under Section 35(2) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State.
Despite entering a not guilty plea to the three-count indictment, the court received evidence from the investigating police officer and the medical doctor who examined the victim during the trial. Although Ofomata denied penetrating the boy, he confessed in his police statement to actions that constituted sexual abuse.
In delivering the verdict, Justice Otti found Ofomata guilty and imposed a 12-year prison sentence. The court further barred him from working in any institution involving individuals under 18, including primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
Justice Otti praised the Senior State Counsel, Chinelo Akorah, Esq., from the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, who led the prosecution, for her persuasive and thorough final address. She highlighted that it is uncommon for cases involving sexual offenses against boys to reach a conclusive resolution and for perpetrators to be held accountable.
Following the ruling, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, expressed approval of the Anambra State justice system, asserting that it consistently delivers justice. She emphasized that this case marks a vital step in advocating for the rights of the boy-child and increasing awareness that boys can also be victims of sexual violence.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli