A High Court sitting in Ogidi, Anambra State, has sentenced James Onuorah, a church choirmaster, to 25 years’ imprisonment after convicting him of the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl.
The court also imposed a seven-year prison sentence for offensive conduct. Justice Chudi Nwankwo ordered that both sentences run concurrently and directed the defendant to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the victim.
According to court proceedings, the prosecution argued that the offences violated the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017. Prosecutors told the court that the defendant used his position as a church worker to gain the confidence of the victim’s family before committing the offences.
The court heard that the girl’s mother had allowed her daughters to attend prayer sessions at the defendant’s residence after he claimed they required spiritual intervention. During the trial, prosecutors said the defendant abused that position of trust, leading to the offences for which he was convicted. Evidence presented before the court included medical records confirming that the victim later gave birth.
Four prosecution witnesses testified during the trial, including the victim and her elder sister. The defendant denied the allegations while giving evidence in his defence.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nwankwo held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge described the victim’s testimony as credible and consistent, adding that other evidence presented before the court supported her account.
However, the court acquitted the defendant on a separate count relating to allegations involving the victim’s elder sister, ruling that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to secure a conviction on that charge.
In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the defendant to pay ₦5 million in damages to the victim. The case reinforces the application of Anambra State’s laws aimed at protecting vulnerable persons and holding offenders accountable.
