Anambra Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment for R3ping 11-Year-Old Male Student
Justice was served in Awka, Anambra State, as a S3xual and Gender-Based Violence Court, presided over by Justice Peace Otti, delivered a landmark judgment in the fight against sexual violence. In a decisive ruling, the court sentenced 34-year-old schoolteacher Pascal Ofomata to 12 years imprisonment for the rape of his 11-year-old male student, a first-year junior secondary student.
The trial of Ofomata, a teacher at St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary, located in the 3-3 area of Onitsha, had gripped public attention due to the grave nature of the crime and the vulnerable status of the victim. Charged with rape and physical assault under Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, and sexual abuse under Section 35(2) of the Anambra State Child’s Rights Law, Ofomata faced the full weight of the law.
Although Ofomata pleaded not guilty to all charges, his earlier police statement contradicted his court testimony. He denied full penetration but admitted to s3xual abuse, a confession that critically undermined his defense. The court considered the testimonies of the investigating police officer and the attending medical doctor, whose evidence corroborated the abuse suffered by the young boy.
In her judgment, Justice Otti held that the prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Chinelo Akorah, Esq., had established the case beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Otti further commended Akorah for her articulate, forceful, and detailed submissions which laid bare the weight of evidence against the convict. She emphasized the rarity of male child sexual abuse cases reaching successful conclusions in court and stressed the importance of this victory for the broader fight against sexual violence.
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As part of the judgment, Justice Otti imposed an employment ban on Ofomata, barring him from working in any institution that involves contact with minors or young adults. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary educational establishments. The prohibition sends a clear message about the judiciary’s stance on safeguarding children and vulnerable groups.
Reacting to the ruling, Hon. Ify Obinabo, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, praised the judicial outcome as a turning point in the recognition and enforcement of the rights of the boy-child. She expressed hope that the judgment would help to dismantle societal taboos surrounding male victimhood in cases of sexual violence. Hon. Obinabo reiterated her ministry’s commitment to seeking justice for all victims of gender-based violence, regardless of gender or social status.
The successful prosecution of Pascal Ofomata is a significant milestone in Anambra State’s ongoing efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence. The Anambra State government, through the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has been intensifying efforts to reform systems, sensitize communities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms against sexual offenders.
This case highlights several critical aspects of the justice system in Nigeria, especially regarding the prosecution of s3xual offences involving children. For many victims, the stigma and trauma associated with coming forward often prevent them from seeking justice. This ruling thus serves as both a deterrent to potential offenders and a source of hope to silent victims who may feel trapped by shame or societal indifference.
While Justice Otti’s courtroom has become a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual violence, systemic gaps remain. Advocacy groups and rights organizations have long argued for specialized training for law enforcement agencies to handle cases of sexual violence involving minors sensitively and professionally. Equally important is ensuring that social support structures are available for victims, including counseling, rehabilitation, and educational support.
Additionally, legal reforms, such as the effective domestication and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in all states across Nigeria, remain crucial. Anambra State has been one of the few states actively leveraging the VAPP law, alongside the Child Rights Act, in prosecuting sexual offences. Yet, uniform enforcement across the nation is necessary to curb the rising tide of violence against children.
The landmark judgment against Pascal Ofomata symbolizes a collective victory for the Nigerian justice system, civil society advocates, victims’ rights groups, and the larger society. However, it must not be an isolated success. The road ahead demands coordinated efforts by all stakeholders — the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, religious organizations, community leaders, and educational institutions — to build a Nigeria where children can learn and grow free from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Hon. Obinabo’s statement underscores this broader vision: “This case is a loud statement to all that Anambra State will continue to prioritize the safety of every child, irrespective of gender. Our commitment is unwavering, and we urge everyone to join in this fight to secure the future of our children.”
For the young survivor and his family, the court’s decision marks the beginning of healing. For Anambra State, it reinforces the strength of its resolve to deliver justice and protect the vulnerable.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges posed by sexual violence, especially against children, the need for sustained advocacy, judicial reforms, community education, and victim-centered approaches cannot be overstated. The sentencing of Ofomata should inspire renewed national commitment to these urgent objectives, turning the pain of victims into a catalyst for systemic change.