A Special Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, has sentenced a 34-year-old teacher to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old male student in Junior Secondary School 1.
Presided over by Justice Peace Otti, the court found Pascal Ofomata, a teacher at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, guilty of multiple offences. He faced charges under Section 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, as well as Section 35(2) of the Anambra State Child’s Right Law, which cover rape, physical assault, and sexual abuse.
Although Ofomata pleaded not guilty to all charges, the court considered witness statements from the investigating officer and the medical report provided by a doctor who examined the child. While he denied penetration, his statement to the police included admissions that amounted to sexual misconduct.
Justice Otti, delivering the judgment, handed down a 12-year prison sentence and issued an order preventing Ofomata from being employed in any educational institution involving minors—be it at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level.
The presiding judge also praised Chinelo Akorah, the lead prosecutor from the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, for her dedication and professionalism, noting that her final argument was particularly well-structured and persuasive. “It’s uncommon for cases involving sexual abuse of male children to be thoroughly prosecuted and result in justice, making this ruling a significant milestone,” Justice Otti said.
In response to the verdict, Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed satisfaction, stating, “This ruling is proof that Anambra’s legal system prioritizes justice. It also highlights the importance of recognizing that boys can be victims of sexual violence too.”
