In a deeply unsettling incident, a 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, has been remanded by the Ogba Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting a three-year-old pupil at Christ-Mitos Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The case came to light after a distressing video surfaced online, showing Nwadigo repeatedly slapping the young child for not learning to write numbers quickly enough. The footage sparked widespread public outrage, leading to her prompt arrest by the Lagos State Police Command.
During the court proceedings, the police prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, detailed that the assault occurred on January 7, 2025, at approximately 11 a.m. He reported that Nwadigo’s actions resulted in visible injuries and swelling on the child’s face. The charges brought against her include indecent treatment and assault of a minor, contravening Sections 135 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
Nwadigo pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Olabisi Kusanu granted her bail set at N200,000, with the condition of providing two sureties who are gainfully employed. Despite the bail terms, she has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the young victim has been taken to a medical facility for thorough evaluation and care. He also commended the public for their vigilance and swift reporting of the incident, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children’s welfare.
This incident has reignited discussions about child safety within educational institutions and the imperative for stringent measures to prevent such occurrences. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has been actively involved, providing updates and ensuring that due process is followed to achieve justice for the victim.
As the case progresses, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities educators bear and the critical need for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all students. The public and authorities alike are keenly observing the proceedings, advocating for accountability and the protection of children’s rights within the educational system.
