By Joke Kujenya
SCHOOL TEACHER, Stella Nwadigbo, of Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, caught on video slapping a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, has been arraigned for assault.
The incident, captured in a viral video on Wednesday, triggered widespread public outrage.
The Lagos State Police Command has presented the 46-year-old teacher before Magistrate Court 1, Ogba, on January 9, 2025.
Her charges, filed under Sections 135 and 172 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, include indecent treatment and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
Bluntly, Nwadigbo pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, told the court that the incident occurred on January 7, 2025, at the school in Isawo, Ikorodu.
Chief Magistrate O. Kushanu granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case to February 18 for further mention.
The incident drew swift action from both the police and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Owutu Police Division arrested Nwadigbo on January 8 and transferred her to the Gender Unit for further investigation.
The DSVA also confirmed her arrest, commending the person that recorded the video and all those who reported the case, adding it would serve as a deterrent to others.
School Management Suspends Teacher
Promptly, the management of Christ-Mitots International School has responded by suspending the teacher indefinitely, describing the incident as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
In a statement, the school expressed horror at the violation of its principles, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct.
“We extend our sincerest apologies to the pupil and his family,” the school said.
“We have reached out to them to offer our support and ensure their needs are fully addressed. We are committed to preventing such behavior in the future.”
As part of its corrective measures, the school announced mandatory training sessions for teachers on child protection and disciplinary protocols.
It also introduced a whistle-blowing system to encourage prompt reporting of misconduct.
Meanwhile, the police have assured Lagos residents of their commitment to ensuring justice.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, commended citizens for promptly reporting the case and reiterated the Command’s readiness to protect children and uphold the law.
