Police in Rivers State have arraigned Professor David Ogbonna, of Rivers State University for alleged unlawful and indecent sexual assault of a female student.
Professor David Ogbonna was arraigned Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Menenen F. Poromon of Chief Magistrate Court 13, Port Harcourt.
The charge sheet read that :You Professor David Ogbonna on 16th day of May,2022 at Rivers State University campus, Oruwokwo in Obio/Akpor Magisterial district but triable in PortHarcourt Magisterial district did unlawfully and indecently assault a ‘f’ aged twenty years by inserting your penis into her vagina thereby committed an offence punishable under section 360 of the criminal code CAP 37 Vol.11 of laws of Rivers State,Nigeria 1999.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges as his defence lawyer, O.C.Higher King urged the court to grant the him bail on self recognizance, considering his status in the society.
Emi Jim George, holding watching brief for the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers Branch urged the court not to grant the accused bail in view of alleged threat to the life of the alleged victim.
Chief Magistrate Poromon after listening to argument of the both lawyers granted the accused bail in like sum of 2 million naira and that the surety must be residing in the Magisterial district as sitting was adjourned to July 20,2022.