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Edo Court Acquits UNIBEN Lecturer of Alleged Rape

Published

Friday, October 25, 2024 at 03:44 PM

Written by Daukoru Grey

Edo Court Acquits UNIBEN Lecturer of Alleged Rape

An Edo State High Court has acquitted Dr. Omowumi 'Labode Steven, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), of charges related to the alleged sexual assault and rape of a 400-level female student after a protracted three-year legal battle.

Dr. Steven, also known as Dr. Bode Steve Ekundayo, who teaches in the Department of English and Literature at UNIBEN, had been accused of sexually assaulting the student in his office on October 5, 2021. In response to the allegations, the university’s management issued a query and placed him on interdiction, suspending him from his duties pending the outcome of the court case. He was subsequently arrested and arraigned in court for sexual assault, but later granted bail under stringent conditions.

The case, filed as suit B/CD/8CV/22, was heard by Presiding Judge Justice Mary Itsueli, who delivered her ruling on Friday. The defense, led by former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, submitted a “no case submission,” asserting that the prosecution had failed to present enough evidence to substantiate the allegations.

In her judgment, Justice Itsueli upheld the defense’s submission, emphasizing that the prosecution could not establish the essential elements of the alleged crime. The judge noted that the testimony of the complainant, referred to as PW1, lacked corroboration from the other five prosecution witnesses. Crucially, the prosecution also failed to present the medical report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), which was expected to be key evidence in the case.

Justice Itsueli further explained that the three key elements required to prove rape, penetration, sexual intercourse, and lack of consent were not sufficiently established by the prosecution. Additionally, there was no evidence linking the alleged penetration to the defendant, and the police investigation was found to be inadequate.

“The prosecution case is bereft of evidence, and in a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his or her case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Itsueli stated. She concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant calling the defendant to take the stand in his defense.

With these considerations, the court ruled that the case be dismissed for lack of evidence, and Dr. Steven was discharged and acquitted. The judgment brings an end to a legal battle that has drawn significant attention, both within the university community and beyond.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the burden of proof in criminal cases, especially those involving sensitive matters like sexual assault.

Edited By: Manasseh Paul-Worika

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Edo Court Acquits UNIBEN Lecturer of Alleged Rape

An Edo State High Court has acquitted Dr. Omowumi 'Labode Steven, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), of charges related to the alleged sexual assault and rape of a 400-level female student after a protracted three-year legal battle.

“The prosecution case is bereft of evidence, and in a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his or her case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Itsueli stated. She concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant calling the defendant to take the stand in his defense.

With these considerations, the court ruled that the case be dismissed for lack of evidence, and Dr. Steven was discharged and acquitted. The judgment brings an end to a legal battle that has drawn significant attention, both within the university community and beyond.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the burden of proof in criminal cases, especially those involving sensitive matters like sexual assault.

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