A High Court in Awka has sentenced a 34-year-old teacher to 12 years imprisonment for sexually abusing an 11-year-old JSS 1 student at a Catholic seminary school in Onitsha.
Pascal Ofomata, who taught at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary 3-3 Onitsha, was convicted on Wednesday by Justice Peace Otti following a thorough trial that established his guilt on multiple charges of sexual abuse against the minor.
The defendant faced three serious charges under Anambra State law: rape, causing physical harm, and sexual abuse under sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law, as well as sexual abuse punishable under section 35(2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.
Throughout the trial, Ofomata maintained his innocence on the rape charge, specifically denying that he had penetrated the victim’s anus. However, court records revealed damaging admissions in his police statement, where he confessed to performing oral sex on the child and forcing the victim to kiss him.
The prosecution’s case was strengthened by comprehensive evidence that included medical assessments of the victim and testimony from the investigating police officer. After careful consideration of all evidence presented, Justice Otti found the defendant guilty as charged.
Beyond the prison sentence, the court imposed additional protective measures to safeguard other children. Ofomata has been permanently barred from employment in any educational institution, including primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. The ban extends to any establishment that serves persons under 18 years of age.
St Christopher’s Junior Seminary, where the abuse occurred, has not issued a public statement regarding the conviction of their former employee.
The victim, whose identity remains protected under child protection laws, was a JSS 1 student at the time of the incident. The court proceedings ensured appropriate measures were taken to protect the child’s privacy and well-being throughout the legal process.
