A Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, presided over by Justice Peace Otti, has sentenced a 34-year-old schoolteacher to 12 years’ imprisonment for defiling his 11-year-old male JSS 1 student.

The defendant, Pascal Ofomata, was charged with rape and inflicting physical harm punishable under Section 3(1) and 4(1), respectively, of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the offence of Sexual Abuse punishable under Section 35(2) of the Child’s Right Law of Anambra State.

Ofomata, a teacher at St Christopher’s Junior Seminary, 3-3 Onitsha, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.

However, during the trial, the court evaluated evidence, including testimony from the investigating police officer and the medical doctor who examined the victim.

Although he denied penetrating the boy, Ofomata admitted to acts amounting to sexual abuse, according to his police statement.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest Suspects For Stealing Two Underage Siblings In Anambra

Delivering judgment, Justice Otti convicted the defendant and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment.

In the court documents obtained on Wednesday, the court also barred him from working in any institution involving minors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

Justice Otti commended the lead prosecutor, Chinelo Akorah of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, for her diligence and professionalism in handling the case.

“The lead Prosecutor’s final address was compelling and comprehensive. It was rare for cases of sexual offences against boys to receive a conclusive end and justice served to offenders,” Otti said.

Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed satisfaction, adding, “The Anambra State justice system is one that delivers nothing short of justice. This case is a rare push for justice for the boy-child and awareness that boys too can be victims of sexual violence.”

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have stopped an early morning attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on the Naval Base at Lake Chad Fish Dam.

The attack happened around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Nigerian Army on its official X handle on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the terrorists tried to destroy swamp bogeys recently bought by the Borno State Government to help clear waterways in the area but soldiers at the base fought back strongly.

They got help from troops in Baga, and the gun battle lasted over two hours.

In the end, the terrorists were forced to run away, according to The PUNCH.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram, ISWAP Conflict Intensifies In Lake Chad Region, Leading To Many Casualties

The statement reads, “In a well-coordinated joint land, maritime and air operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that attempted to infiltrate the Naval Base Lake Chad in Fish Dam during the early hours of today.

“The terrorists commenced their infiltration attack at about 2 AM to destroy the newly acquired Swamp Boggeys by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad but was fiercely resisted by personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Baga in a firefight that lasted for over 2 hours before the terrorists retreated having failed to gain access to the Swamp Boggeys while scores were neutralised and IED materials recovered.

“Minimal incursion was made, leading to the destruction of an ambulance and 2 other vehicles while some personnel were wounded in action. The air component platforms are currently conducting follow-on pursuit exploitation on the waterways to further decimate the terrorists.”

The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a planned abduction in the Abigi area of the state and arrested a wanted serial kidnapper, Clement Elijah, who had been on the run since 2024.

Elijah, linked to a high-profile kidnapping case in Ajelanwa village last year, was apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following credible intelligence and community cooperation.

It was learnt that two of his accomplices were previously arrested in connection with the same incident.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, Elijah had returned to the Ibiade community on June 13, with intentions to abduct a prominent resident of Ago Village, Abigi.

READ ALSO: One Dies, 5 Injured As Rainstorm Destroys School Building In Ogun

His plan, however, was thwarted through coordinated action between the police and vigilant residents.

Odutola said, “Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit apprehended Clement Elijah, a felon who had been on the run since 2024 in connection with a high-profile kidnapping incident at Ajelanwa village, Ogun State.

“Elijah arrived Ibiade community on June 13, 2025, and planned to abduct a prominent individual in Ago Village, Abigi, but his sinister mission was thwarted through timely collaboration between the police and vigilant residents.”

Three days later, on Monday, a clearance operation led to the arrest of the gang’s alleged armourer, Posi Friday.

READ ALSO: 40 Years After, DSS Finally Removes Lanre Arogundade’s Name From Watchlist

Odutola said the police operatives recovered one pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, and eight live cartridges concealed in a Boom Speaker.

Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, lauded the Ibiade and Abigi communities for their vigilance and collaboration.

“We appreciate the sustained communication and support from the communities.

“Their role was critical in preventing yet another crime and in the apprehension of these suspects,” Ogunlowo said.

n a separate development, the command also confirmed the arrest of 14 suspected cultists from rival groups on June 16, 2025.

READ ALSO: Portable Pleads For Prayers, Support As Ogun Seizes Property

According to Odutola, the suspects were apprehended by the Anti-Cultism team in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele, and Imaweje areas of Ijebu Ode, while allegedly planning violent attacks as part of a supremacy clash during their institution’s signing-out celebration.

“Operatives of the Anti-Cultism team arrested 14 suspected cultists of two rival groups planning attacks over superiority on June 16, 2025.

“The suspects were rounded up in Ijagun, Ogbo, Ijele areas and Imaweje areas in Ijebu Ode as they assembled to mark their institution’s examinations signing out,” she said.

Odutola said all suspects and recovered weapons are currently being processed at the State Criminal Investigation Department, while further investigations continue.