An Edo State High Court in Benin has acquitted and acquitted a lecturer of the University of Benin, UBTH, Dr. Omowumi Ekundayo Steven, of allegedly sexually assaulting and raping a final year student of the institution.

Justice (Mrs) Mary Itsueli discharged and acquitted the lecturer in a judgment delivered on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Steven, a lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, is on trial from 2022 for alleged sexual assault and rape.

In his judgment in the case marked B/CD/8CV/22, Justice Itsueli stated that the prosecution team failed to prove the case against the accused.

Also, the court released and acquitted the accused for the lack of evidence and substantial evidence.

While not sustaining any case filed by the defense counsel and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Osagie Obayuwana, the court held that the evidence of the applicant was not corroborated with the evidence of five other prosecution witnesses.

Justice Itsueli also stated that the prosecution team also failed to tender a medical report of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, as a court exhibit during the trial.

According to her, the investigation team could not establish the three main ingredients of rape which she listed as penetration, intercourse and lack of consent.

She considered that the break-in must be connected to the defendant.

“The police never conducted a thorough investigation before charging the accused.

“The prosecution case is devoid of evidence, and in a criminal case, the plaintiff is required to prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“I found no reason to call the defendant into the dock for his defence. No presentation of defense is hereby admitted.

“The case is dismissed for lack of evidence and the accused is released and acquitted,” Judge Itsueli ruled.

DAILY POST recalls that the accused was on October 5, 2021 accused of sexually assaulting a final year female student of the department in his office.

Following the accusation, the lecturer was interrogated and banned until the final resolution of the case in court by the university management.

He was also arrested and charged with sexual assault, but was granted bail under strict conditions.