34-year-old teacher sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for raping male student

By Madu Obi

An Anambra State Sexual and Gender -based Violence Court of the state High Court sitting at Awka , has sentenced a 34 years old school teacher to 12 years in prison for raping an 11- year old male student.

The teacher, Mr Pascal Ofomata was said to have had canal knowledge of the boy, who is a Junior Secondary one student of St Christopher's Junior Seminary, 3-3 area in Onitsha.

The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Peace Otti commended the industry and brilliance of the prosecution counsel, Chinelo Akorah for conclusively following the matter.

The judge said that Akorah's final address was compelling and comprehensive, adding that it is very rare to see cases of sexual offenses against boys get to a conclusive end and offenders meted with justice.

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.

Upholding 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 court convicted and sentenced the accused to 12 years imprisonment.

The defendant, Pascal Ofomata had pleaded not guilty in a three count charge 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 was 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 years, such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions.