*Case proof that boy child too can be victims of sexual violence- Commissioner for Justice
* Court bars convict from employment in certain establishments
By Ola Kay
A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting at Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced Pascal Ofomata, a school teacher at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary 3-3 Onitsha to 12 years imprisonment for raping his 11 years old Junior Secondary School, JSS1 student.
The 34-year-old defendant, was charged with rape and for inflicting physical injury, an offense punishable under section 3(1), 4 (1) respectively of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law, and the offense of Sexual Abuse punishable under section 35 (2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.
Ofomata pleaded not guilty to the 3-count charge.
In his extra-judicial statement, he outrightly denied penetrating his victim’s anus with his penis.
But the defendant on the other hand admitted in his statement to the police that he sucked his victim’s penis and told him to kiss him mouth mouth.
And sequel to the intriguing trial and evaluation of the investigating Police Pfficer, IPO, including the doctor who examined the victim private part, the court upheld the case of the prosecuting counsel and convicted the defendant, thereby sentencing him to 12 years imprisonment.
Convicted Teacher embargoed from certain Employments
The court, in addition, barred the offender from being employed in any establishment with minors (under 18) such as primary, secondary, and even tertiary institutions.
The presiding Judge, Kustice Peace Otti acknowledged the brilliance of the Senior State Counsel Chinelo Akorah, of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, who led the prosecution. She noted that Akorah‘s final address was compelling and comprehensive enough.
She also highlighted the fact that cases of sexual offenses against boys rarely receive conclusive prosecution and offenders met with deserved justice.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, hailed the judgment by expressing satisfaction that the state justice system remains functional.
The commissioner noted that the case of sexual offense in this instance received a commendable rare push for justice for the boy-child and helped create awareness that the boy child too can be victims of sexual violence.
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