An Edo State High Court in Benin has cleared Dr. Omowumi Ekundayo Steven, a University of Benin lecturer, of sexual assault and rape charges involving a female student.
Justice Mary Itsueli delivered the verdict today, October 25, 2024, citing insufficient evidence and the prosecution’s failure to prove their case.
Cyber Reporters gathered that Steven, an English and Literature lecturer, had been on trial since 2022.
The court noted that the prosecution did not provide substantial proofs and failed to submit the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s medical report as evidence.
Additionally, the prosecution could not establish the three key elements of rape: penetration, sexual intercourse, and lack of consent.
Justice Itsueli criticized the police for not conducting a thorough investigation before charging Dr. Steven.
Read Also: Ekiti Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping 10-Year-Old
The court ruled that the prosecution’s case lacked evidence and did not meet the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
“The police never carried out thorough investigation before charging the accused to court.
“The prosecution case is bereft of evidence and in a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his/her case beyond reasonable doubt.
“I found no reason to call the defendant to enter the dock for his defense. No case submission of the defense counsel is hereby upheld.
“The case is hereby dismissed for lack of evidence and the accused is discharged and acquitted,” Justice Itsueli ruled.
Cyber Reporters reports that this verdict comes after Dr. Steven was accused of sexually assaulting a final-year female student in his office on October 5, 2021.
He was issued a query, placed on interdiction, and arrested but granted bail under stringent conditions.
