In a case that has shocked the entire nation, Stella Nwadigbo, a 46-year-old teacher at Christ Mitot School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was on Thursday, January 9, 2025, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court after a disturbing video emerged showing her physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil. The incident, which occurred on January 7, quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage across the country.
The assault was reportedly captured on video, showing Nwadigbo slapping and striking the young boy while attempting to teach him how to write numerals. The victim, identified as Abayomi Michael, appeared visibly distressed as the teacher struck him repeatedly. The video, which was widely shared on social media platforms, triggered an outpouring of condemnation from concerned Nigerians who were horrified by the violence.
Disturbing Incident and Public Outcry
The prosecutor in the case, ASP Raji Akeem, informed the court that the incident occurred at Christ Mitot School in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. Akeem emphasized that Nwadigbo’s actions contravened Sections 135 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which deal with assault and causing grievous bodily harm. According to Akeem, the assault took place during a routine lesson where Nwadigbo was teaching the child how to write numbers.
The viral video, which depicted the teacher’s violent behavior, quickly became a topic of national conversation, with many Nigerians expressing their disgust and demanding swift justice. The Lagos State Police Command, through its spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the teacher’s arrest the following day, on January 8, stating that she was in custody and undergoing further investigation.
“The teacher has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing investigation,” Hundeyin said. “Further necessary actions will follow to ensure justice is served.”
Teacher Pleads Not Guilty, Granted Bail
Despite the widespread anger surrounding the case, Nwadigbo pleaded not guilty to the charges in court. The teacher, who resides in Isawo, Ikorodu, was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. Kushanu, who presided over the proceedings, adjourned the case until February 18 for mention.
This legal development has brought the issue of child abuse within educational institutions to the forefront, prompting further questions about the safety of students in Nigerian schools. Advocates for children’s rights have called for more stringent measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Efforts from Lagos State Government and Agencies
The arrest and subsequent arraignment came after a statement was issued by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). The agency, which plays a key role in addressing violence against children, expressed its satisfaction with the swift action taken against Nwadigbo.
On its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the DSVA wrote: “We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation has commenced in earnest. Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.”
This message from the DSVA underscores the seriousness with which the Lagos State government is treating this matter. The agency has reiterated that no teacher, or anyone in a position of care, should be allowed to mistreat children in any form. The arrest of Nwadigbo has been seen as an important step toward ensuring that educational institutions are held accountable for the welfare of their students.
Reactions from the Public
The assault has ignited a storm of reactions from Nigerians, many of whom are still grappling with the implications of the abuse. On social media platforms, many users expressed their horror and disbelief over the video, demanding that the teacher face the full consequences of her actions.
A Twitter user, Adebayo Olumide, wrote: “This is beyond wrong. How can a teacher treat a child like this? The system must hold people like her accountable so that this doesn’t happen again.”
Others have called for a review of the state’s child protection laws and the monitoring systems in schools to prevent such incidents. As the video continues to circulate, public pressure has mounted on the Lagos State government to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that justice is done for the young victim.
Concerns Over Child Safety in Schools
This case is just the latest in a series of incidents involving abuse in Nigerian schools, raising questions about the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions. In recent years, reports of teacher misconduct, including physical abuse and neglect, have gained attention, further underscoring the need for stricter oversight in schools across the country.
Child rights activists have long warned that the current system is insufficient in addressing these issues, citing the lack of a comprehensive child protection framework in many schools. They have called on the Nigerian government and educational authorities to implement stronger policies to safeguard children from abuse and ensure that teachers and staff undergo regular checks and training in child psychology and behavior management.
The Way Forward
As the case continues, all eyes will be on the court proceedings to ensure that Nwadigbo faces justice for her actions. While the teacher has pleaded not guilty, the public outcry suggests that many Nigerians are determined to see a fair trial and a firm response to the abuse.
In the wake of this disturbing incident, experts are urging for better regulation and monitoring of schools, as well as more proactive approaches in identifying and dealing with abusive behaviors before they escalate. For now, the authorities are committed to seeing the case through, and the victim, Abayomi Michael, is receiving the necessary care and support to recover from the trauma inflicted on him.
With the case adjourned until February 18, the public waits in anticipation for the next chapter in this case of classroom violence, hoping that it will set a precedent for dealing with child abuse in schools and lead to stronger protections for the youngest members of society.
