A Nigerian student in Cyprus, Obasi Chimezirm Princewill, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after a court found him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman and recording the incident.
The Nicosia High Criminal Court delivered the verdict after concluding that the prosecution established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The offence was said to have occurred between late hours of March 25 and early March 26, 2023, in the Hamitköy area of Nicosia, where the defendant allegedly forced his way into the victim’s dormitory room.
Court proceedings revealed that the victim and the convict were previously acquainted before the incident.
Prosecution witnesses told the court that the defendant overpowered the victim and assaulted her multiple times during the attack.
A police officer, who testified during the trial, also informed the court that there were prior allegations of similar offences against the defendant, alongside claims that he attempted to influence complainants.
In its judgment, the court panel, led by Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkin, described the crime as serious and unacceptable, stressing that the accused violated the trust of his host country.
The court further identified aggravating factors, including the recording of the assault without consent, attempts to evade arrest, and lack of remorse throughout the trial.
It noted that recent legal reforms in Cyprus mandate tougher penalties for sexual offences, which informed the sentencing decision.
Princewill was consequently sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.
The verdict has sparked reactions online, with many commentators expressing support for the ruling and urging stricter enforcement of laws against sexual violence.
