A High Criminal Court in Nicosia, Cyprus, has sentenced a Nigerian student, Obasi Chimezirm Princewill, to 14 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman and recording the act without her consent.
The judgment followed the conclusion of a trial in which the defendant was found guilty on multiple counts relating to the incident.
The offence was said to have occurred between the night of March 25 and the early hours of March 26, 2023, in the Hamitköy area of Nicosia.
According to court proceedings, the victim, who was acquainted with the defendant, was attacked in her dormitory room after he allegedly forced his way in and overpowered her.
Testifying during the trial, Police Sergeant Mustafa Mahan told the court that authorities had previously received similar complaints against the convict.
He further alleged that the defendant attempted to dissuade some complainants from pursuing their cases by offering them monetary inducements.
Delivering the verdict, the panel of judges held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently convicted the defendant on all charges.
“The defendant entered the country as a student but later became an illegal resident and went on to commit a serious offence,” the court stated while explaining the sentence.
The court noted that the punishment reflected tougher penalties introduced under Cyprus laws in response to rising cases of sexual offences.
It also cited aggravating factors, including the recording of the act without consent, attempts to evade arrest, and lack of remorse throughout the trial.
