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

An Anambra State High Court; sexual and gender based violence court sitting at Awka has sentenced a 34 years old school teacher to 12 years in prison for raping an 11 years old student.

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

Speaking immediately after handing down his judgement, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Peace Otti commended the industry and brilliance of the prosecution counsel, Chinelo Akorah Esq. for conclusively following the matter.

She was quoted as saying that Akorah’s final address was compelling and comprehensive. She said 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.

The court however upheld 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 defendant was convicted and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment.

The defendant, Pascal Ofomata had earlier 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 is the 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 such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions.