Police arraign suspended Lagos teacher over physical assault caught on tape
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Suspended Lagos teacher Stella Nwadigbo, 46, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged assault occasioning grievous bodily harm on a three-year-old pupil.
She was caught on video slapping and giving blows to Abayomi Michael in a numeracy lesson in her class at CHRIST-MITOTS SCHOOL, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The video went viral on Tuesday and generated outcry on social media, which prompted the police to arrest her on Wednesday.
Nwadigbo, who resides at Isawo in Ikorodu, is facing a charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
Police prosecutor Raji Akeem, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, told the court that the offences were committed on January 7.
Akeem said the woman was caught on camera giving the child slaps and blows while teaching him to write the numerals, which contravene Sections 135 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate O. Kushanu granted her N200,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until February 18 for mention.
Nwadigo arraigned the day she got suspended from her job
Nwadigo’s arraignment happened the day news also broke that CHRIST-MITOTS SCHOOL has placed her on indefinite suspension over the allegations.
“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving one of our teachers and a student, which has been circulating on social media,” the school said in a statement on Thursday.
“The video shows a teacher engaging in the physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values and principles of our school.
“As an institution deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care, and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make unequivocally clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely while a thorough investigation is conducted.
“This immediate and decisive action reflects our zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and our obligation to safeguard the safety and well-being of every child under our care.
“We extend our sincerest apologies to the student and their family. We have reached out to them personally to express our regret, after our support, and ensure that their needs are fully addressed during this time.
“In light of this incident, we are taking firm steps to ensure that such behaviour is never repeated. As such, we will be organizing mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasize positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.”
The said it has introduced a “confidential whistle-blowing system” to encourage and facilitate prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.
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