NICOSIA, CYPRUS – A Nigerian student has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after a court found him guilty of sexually assaulting a fellow student in a dormitory and secretly videotaping the act, according to judicial records from the Nicosia High Criminal Court.
The defendant, identified as Obasi Chimezirm Princewill, a former law student, was convicted for the assault that took place on the night of March 25–26, 2023, at the Ekin Adademir student dormitory in the Hamitköy district of Nicosia.
Court proceedings revealed that Princewill was acquainted with the victim, a student at the same dormitory. The court heard that he entered her room with her consent but subsequently subjected her to three separate sexual assaults before fleeing the scene. During the attack, the defendant used a mobile device to record the act without the victim’s knowledge or permission...READ FULL STORY; FROM THE SOURCE.
Delivering the verdict, Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkin emphasized the severity of the crime and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victim. The judge noted that Princewill showed no remorse throughout the trial, characterizing his demeanor as lacking any sense of shame.
The court cited several aggravating factors in its decision to impose the 14-year sentence. These included a significant breach of trust, the clandestine recording of the assault, and the defendant’s immigration status. Prosecutors informed the court that Princewill had overstayed his student visa and was residing in the country illegally at the time of the offense.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials testified that Princewill had prior allegations of sexual misconduct. According to police records, he had been previously accused of rape and had allegedly attempted to bribe at least two complainants to withdraw their statements, with offers reportedly amounting to approximately ₦500,000 (roughly 650 euros).
Judge Barkin referenced recent legal amendments in Cyprus aimed at addressing a rise in sexual violence. The law has changed to reflect society’s zero tolerance for such violations, the judge stated. The calculated nature of this act assaulting an acquaintance while filming her represents a profound violation of human dignity and trust.
The court ordered the forfeiture of the mobile device used to record the assault. Princewill will also be subject to deportation proceedings following the completion of his custodial sentence, as per standard procedure for non-citizens convicted of serious felonies.
The victim, who was not present in court for the sentencing, was reported to have returned to her home country for psychological care.
