An Edo State High Court in Benin discharged and acquitted Dr. Omowumi Steven, a senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literature at the University of Benin, who was accused of sexually assaulting a 400 Level female student.

The alleged incident occurred on October 5, 2021, in his office, leading to a tumultuous three-year legal battle.

Following the accusations, the university’s management placed Dr. Steven on interdiction and issued a query while the case proceeded through the court system.

He was arrested and arraigned for sexual assault but was later granted bail.

On Friday, the High Court delivered its ruling on case number B/CD/8CV/22, with Justice Mary Itsueli emphasizing the prosecution’s failure to provide substantial proof against the accused.

“The prosecution case is bereft of evidence and in a criminal case, the claimant is required to prove his/her case beyond reasonable doubt,” she stated, underscoring the high burden of proof necessary in such cases.

Justice Itsueli upheld the no-case submission filed by Dr. Steven’s defense counsel, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State.

She pointed out that the evidence presented by the principal witness, the nominal complainant, was not corroborated by the testimonies of the remaining five prosecution witnesses.

The judge further highlighted the inadequacies in the investigation, noting, “The police never carried out a thorough investigation before charging the accused in court.”

She concluded her remarks by affirming, “I found no reason to call the defendant to enter the dock for his defence. No case submission of the defence counsel is hereby upheld.”

With the court’s ruling, Dr. Steven has been discharged and acquitted, marking an end to a prolonged and contentious legal ordeal.