Teacher Jailed 12 Years for R@ping JSS1 Boy in Onitsha Seminary School

A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 34-year-old school teacher to 12 years imprisonment for r@ping an 11-year-old Junior Secondary School 1 student.

The convict, Pascal Ofomata, who taught at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, was arraigned on a three-count charge of r@pe, infliction of physical harm, and sexual abuse. These offences are punishable under Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, and Section 35(2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State. Ofomata pleaded not guilty in court. However, during police investigation, while denying anal penetration, he admitted to performing oral s3x on the boy and asking him to kiss him.

After a thorough trial, which included testimonies from the investigating police officer and the doctor who examined the victim, the court found Ofomata guilty. Justice Peace Otti upheld the prosecution’s case and sentenced him to 12 years in prison. The court also barred the convict from taking up employment in any institution or establishment involving persons under the age of 18, including primary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

Justice Otti commended the lead prosecutor, Chinelo Akorah of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, for what she described as a compelling and well-argued final address. She acknowledged the rarity of conclusive prosecutions in cases involving male victims of s3xual violence and praised the outcome as a significant step forward.

Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, also hailed the judgment, describing it as a rare but important push for justice for the boy-child. She expressed satisfaction that the justice system had effectively addressed the case and emphasized the need to raise awareness that boys, too, can be victims of s3xual abuse.