An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin, on Friday, discharged and acquitted a lecturer with the University of Benin, Dr Omowumi Steven, who was standing trial for alleged sexual assault (rape) of a 400 Level female student of the university.
The senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, was accused of sexually assaulting a final-year female student of the department in his office on October 5, 2021.
Consequently, the accused was issued a query and placed on interdiction pending the final determination of the case in court by the management of the university.
He was subsequently arrested and arraigned for sexual assault but was later granted bail.
However, after over three years of legal battle, the High Court in Benin, discharged and acquitted the accused, citing a lack of substantial proof and evidence against him.
Ruling on the suit marked B/CD/8CV/22, Justice Mary Itsueli, said that the prosecution team failed to prove their case against the accused.
