Court acquits RSU lecturer from sexual assault charges of female student

A Chief Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt has delivered a verdict of discharge and acquittal in the case of Professor David Ogbonna, a lecturer at Rivers University, who had been facing charges of alleged unlawful and indecent sexual assault against a female student. The ruling, delivered by Chief Magistrate Poromon Menenen, marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice. The case revolved around allegations of unlawful and indecent sexual assault, where it was claimed that Professor Ogbonna inserted his penis into a female student's vagina within his office on the university campus. The trial, which had garnered considerable attention, reached its conclusion when the prosecution team failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate their case.

In his well-reasoned judgment, Chief Magistrate Poromon Menenen underscored the importance of concrete evidence in legal proceedings. He noted that the phone, which the female student alleged to have used to record her discussion with Professor Ogbonna on the day of the alleged incident, was not presented as an exhibit during the trial. This absence of crucial evidence created significant doubt about the veracity of the accusations. The acquittal of Professor David Ogbonna is a testament to the principles of justice and the requirement for evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The ruling reaffirms the importance of due process and the need for a fair and thorough legal procedure in such cases.

This verdict has significant implications not only for the accused but also for the accuser and the broader legal system. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that evidence plays in legal proceedings and highlights the need for thorough investigation and presentation of facts. The acquittal of Professor David Ogbonna in the face of allegations of indecent assault is a victory for the principles of justice and the rule of law. It underscores the importance of evidence and due process in legal proceedings. As the legal community reflects on this case, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility to uphold the rights of all parties involved and to ensure that justice is served impartially and fairly.