Court Remands Lagos Teacher In Prison For Maltreating 3-Yr-Old Pupil

_… Suspended from school _

Stella Nwadigo, a teacher arrested for physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil at Christ-Mitots International School in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, appeared before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Nwadigo, who was apprehended after a video surfaced online showing her repeatedly slapping the young child, Abayomi Micheal, reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges read to her.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency disclosed this in an update on X.com on Thursday.

The statement read, “Following the ongoing viral case of child abuse, all concerned parties appeared today, 9th January 2024, at the Ogba Magistrate Court. (sic)

“The matter was assigned to Magistrate M.O. Kusanu. Two charges were read to the suspect, to which she pled not guilty.”

Nwadigo’s defence counsel was said to have applied for bail, which the court reportedly set at N200,000.

The statement added, “Her defense counsel applied for bail, which the court set at ₦200,000 and two verifiable sureties.

“The suspect has been remanded in a correctional facility, and the case is adjourned to the 18th January 2024 for trial.”

Recall that the viral video, which showed Nwadigo repeatedly slapping Abayomi while attempting to teach him how to write the number six, ignited public outrage, leading to widespread calls for justice.

Meanwhile, Nwadigo was also suspended by the school’s management, while Abayomi was reportedly hospitalised following the incident.

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The management of Christ-Mitots International School, located in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, suspended the teacher after the incident came to public attention after a video surfaced online showing the teacher slapping the child.

The footage, posted on Wednesday by a social media user identified as Oyindamola on X (formerly Twitter), triggered widespread outrage.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest shortly after the video went viral.

“We appreciate everyone who brought this disturbing incident of a teacher physically abusing a three-year-old boy to our attention.

The teacher has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation is underway,” the agency said in a statement.

To prevent a recurrence, the school announced measures to strengthen child protection protocols.

These include mandatory training sessions for teachers on positive disciplinary practices and the introduction of a whistle-blowing system to encourage reporting of inappropriate behaviour.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child under our care,” the management added.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency urged the public to remain patient as investigations proceed.

“We ask for understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively,” it stated.

The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the importance of safeguarding children and enforcing strict disciplinary measures against misconduct in educational institutions.