A High Court of Anambra State; sexual and gender based violence court, sentenced one Pascal Ofomata, 34-year-old teacher, to 12 years imprisonment for raping his 11-year-old JSS1 male student.
Justice Peace Otti in her judgement also barred the convict from being employed in any establishment with persons under 18, such as primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
Otti said the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, adding that the convict was guilty as charged.
She commended the brilliance of the senior state counsel who led the prosecution, Ms Chinelo Akorah, of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice.
“The Counsel’s final address was compelling and comprehensive, although it is very rare to see cases of sexual offenses against boys get to a conclusive end and offenders met with justice,” she said.
Recall that the convict had, at his arraignment on January 12, 2024, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of rape, sexual abuse and Inflicting physical harm.
The offences are punishable under section, 3(1), 4 (1) respectively of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law of Anambra state, and Section 35 (2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra state.
Ofomata, a teacher at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary, 3-3 Onitsha, during trial stated that he never penetrated the victim’s anus.
He, however, admitted in his statement that he asked the victim to suck his penis and kiss him.
During trial, the evaluation of the investigating police officer and the doctor who examined the victim, were upheld.
Responding to the outcome, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, expressed satisfaction with the state’s judiciary for ensuring justice was served in the case.
“Anambra judiciary delivered nothing short of justice.
“The case is a rare push for justice for the boy-child and awareness that boys too can be victims of sexual violence,” she said.
