Pascal Ofomata, a 34-year-old teacher at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary, 3-3 Onitsha, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, for defiling his 11-year-old male student.
The judgement was delivered by Justice Peace Otti, who presided over the case and found Ofomata guilty of the offences of rape and inflicting physical harm, both punishable under Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
He was also convicted of sexual abuse under Section 35(2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.
Although Ofomata pleaded not guilty, the court evaluated evidence, including the testimony of the investigating police officer and a medical doctor.
While denying penetration, Ofomata admitted in his police statement to acts that amounted to sexual abuse.
In court documents obtained on Wednesday, Justice Otti ordered that Ofomata be barred from working in any institution involving minors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary schools.
Justice Otti praised the prosecutor, Chinelo Akorah of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, stating, “The lead Prosecutor’s final address was compelling and comprehensive. It was rare for cases of sexual offences against boys to receive a conclusive end and justice served to offenders,” Otti said.
Reacting to the judgement, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, said, “The Anambra State justice system is one that delivers nothing short of justice. This case is a rare push for justice for the boy-child and awareness that boys too can be victims of sexual violence.”