On a recent Friday, an Edo State High Court situated in Benin reached a significant decision regarding the case involving Dr. Omowumi Steven, a senior lecturer from the University of Benin. Dr. Steven was accused of raping a 400-level female student from his department during an alleged incident that took place on October 5, 2021. Following the accusation, the university management issued a query to Dr. Steven, and he was placed on interdiction while the legal process unfolded. After being arrested and arraigned, he was granted bail as the case progressed through the legal system.
The legal journey lasted approximately three years, culminating in a decisive ruling by Justice Mary Itsueli. In her judgment, Justice Itsueli found that the prosecution had failed to provide substantial proof and evidence against Dr. Steven. The case was marked with the reference number B/CD/8CV/22, and during her assessment of the evidence presented, Justice Itsueli remarked that the prosecution’s argument lacked the necessary corroboration. The testimony of the alleged victim did not align with those of the remaining five witnesses, leading to a significant gap in the case against the lecturer.
Justice Itsueli highlighted critical flaws in the prosecution’s approach, notably their failure to present important medical evidence in the form of a report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. This report was crucial in establishing the elements of the rape allegation. The judge pointed out that for the prosecution to build a strong case, they needed to demonstrate three main components: penetration, sexual intercourse, and lack of consent, all of which must be directly linked to the accused. The absence of concrete evidence on these points severely undermined the prosecution’s position.
Furthermore, the judge expressed concern over the investigation conducted by the police prior to charging Dr. Steven. She noted that the police did not complete a thorough investigation, which is paramount in criminal cases where the burden of proof rests heavily on the prosecution. Justice Itsueli reiterated that the prosecution’s case lacked sufficient evidence and emphasized that, in criminal trials, the claimant is required to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Given these shortcomings, she found no compelling reason to summon Dr. Steven to defend himself.
Ultimately, Justice Itsueli upheld the no-case submission made by Dr. Steven’s defense counsel, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, a notable former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State. The ruling concluded that the case against Dr. Steven was baseless due to the evidentiary deficiencies presented by the prosecution. As a result, the court officially discharged and acquitted him, dismissing the case entirely for lack of evidence.
The acquittal of Dr. Steven serves as a critical reminder of the complexities involved in sexual assault allegations and the importance of a robust legal framework to protect the rights of both accusers and the accused. The ruling highlights the need for comprehensive investigations and well-founded evidence in sexual misconduct cases to uphold justice. As Dr. Steven returns to his professional duties, this case may spark broader discussions on procedural reforms, especially within academic institutions, to better address such grave allegations in the future.
