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By Sunny A. David, Awka
A 34-year-old teacher, Pascal Ofomata, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old JSS1 student in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Awka Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court found Ofomata guilty on charges of rape and sexual abuse, brought under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State.
While Ofomata initially pleaded not guilty and denied anal penetration, he admitted to other sexual acts with the boy in a police statement.
After a thorough trial, including testimony from the investigating officer and the victim’s doctor, the court delivered a guilty verdict.
In addition to the prison sentence, Ofomata is banned from employment in any institution involving minors.
Justice Peace Otti praised the prosecuting counsel, Chinelo Akorah, for her compelling case, noting the rarity of successful prosecutions in cases of sexual violence against boys.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, hailed the judgment as a significant step towards justice for boy victims and raising awareness about male victims of sexual abuse.
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