BLUEPRINT
A lecturer in the University of Benin (Uniben), Dr. Omowumi Labode Steven, has been acquitted of alleged sexual assault on a female student of the institution.
Justice (Mrs.) Mary Itsueli of Edo State High Court handed out the verdict on Friday in a suit marked B/CD/8CV/22.
She held that the prosecution team failed to tender the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s (UBTH) medical report as exhibits to court during trial.
Itsueli added that the prosecution team could not establish the three main ingredients of rape which she listed to be penetration, sexual intercourse and no consent.
According to the presiding judge, “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.”
Dr. Steven, a senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, was accused of sexually assaulting a…
