Nigerian student sentenced to 14 years in jail over sexual assault and secret recordings in Cyprus

A Nigerian student who sexually assaulted a student in a dormitory and videotaped the act has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. 

The judge cited the defendant’s lack of remorse for the crime despite his status as an undocumented student as an aggravating factor. 

The case against Obasi Chimezirm Princewill, on trial at the Lefkoşa High Criminal Court for s£xual assault and serious assault, has now concluded. 

In delivering the court’s decision, Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın recalled that the incident occurred between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM on March 25-26, 2023, in a student dormitory in Hamitköy. 

The defendant entered the victim’s room with her consent, then assaulted her by str@ngling her before sexually assaulting her three times. 

Judge Barkın noted that they found the defendant guilty on all charges, emphasizing that all aspects of the case were considered in determining the sentence. 

She sais, “The defendant came to our country as a student. After becoming an illegal immigrant, he continued to reside here and committed such a grave crime.” 

The judge mentioned that penalties had been increased due to amendments in the penal code in response to rising s£xual crimes but emphasized that the penalties for such offenses, which inflict deep wounds on society, should be reviewed and revised. 

In announcing the sentence, Judge Barkin considered the defendant’s actions, including secretly videotaping the victim without her consent, committing heinous crimes while evading authorities, and showing no remorse or shame during the trial, as aggravating factors. 

Consequently, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.