Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years for Raping Junior Secondary School Student in Onitsha

A 34-year-old teacher in Anambra State, Pascal Ofomata, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old JSS1 student, with the court also banning him from working with minors.

A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced Pascal Ofomata, a 34-year-old teacher, to 12 years imprisonment for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old student in Junior Secondary School 1.

Ofomata, employed at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary, located in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, faced a three-count charge including rape and causing bodily harm under Sections 3(1), 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, as well as sexual abuse under Section 35(2) of the Anambra State Child’s Rights Law.

Though he pleaded not guilty, Ofomata’s statement to the police admitted to inappropriate acts, including oral sexual contact and coercing the victim into kissing him, despite denying anal penetration.

After thorough proceedings and testimonies from both the investigating officer and a medical examiner, the court found the evidence presented by the prosecution sufficient for conviction. The presiding judge sentenced Ofomata to 12 years and imposed an employment restriction, barring him from working in institutions that serve minors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

Justice Peace Otti praised the prosecution, led by Chinelo Akorah of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, for her diligent and compelling handling of the case. She noted the rarity of such cases involving male victims reaching a conclusive end and emphasized the importance of accountability for offenders.

Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, applauded the verdict, calling it a landmark moment for male victims of sexual violence. “This is a strong statement that the justice system is active and effective,” she said. “It also helps create awareness that boys, too, can fall victim to such crimes.”

READ ALSO: Keke Senior High School Wins 2024 Lagosreads Inter-Schools Quiz Competition

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, THE NATION