An Edo State High Court in Benin has discharged and acquitted Dr. Omowumi Ekundayo Steven, a lecturer at the University of Benin, of charges related to the alleged rape and sexual assault of a final-year female student. The verdict was delivered by Justice Mary Itsueli on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Dr. Steven, who teaches in the Department of English and Literature, had been on trial for these allegations since 2022. In her ruling, Justice Itsueli stated that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to support their case.
The court emphasized that the evidence provided by the complainant was not supported by testimony from five other prosecution witnesses. Justice Itsueli noted that the prosecution did not submit the medical report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital as evidence during the trial.
The judge highlighted that the prosecution did not establish the essential elements of rape, including penetration, sexual intercourse, and lack of consent, all of which must be connected to the accused. She criticized the police for not conducting a thorough investigation before charging Dr. Steven.
Justice Itsueli stated, “The prosecution case lacks evidence, and in criminal cases, the burden is on the claimant to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. I find no reason to require the defendant to present a defense. Therefore, the case is dismissed due to lack of evidence, and the accused is discharged and acquitted.”
This case began when Dr. Steven was accused on October 5, 2021, of sexually assaulting the student in his office. Following the allegations, the university management placed him on suspension pending the outcome of the court proceedings. He was arrested and charged with sexual assault but was later granted bail under strict conditions.
Read the full article here
