- “Lack of parenting skills, knowledge of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, learning challenges of pupils and students, and protection of the health and general well-being of children are shamefully displayed here” —Ex-Lagos NBA Chair, Tam-George
Stella Nwadigo, the teacher who was captured on video dealing some deadly slaps to the cheeks of a three-year-old pupil in her class appeared before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday.
She was earlier arrested for physically assaulting a toddler at Christ-Mitots International School in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
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.”
PUNCH reports 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.
Nwadigo was also suspended by the school’s management, while Abayomi was reportedly hospitalised following the incident.
In her contribution to the issue, a former Vice Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abiye Tam-George noted that:
“In addressing learning challenges that children face in learning centres, it is essential to focus on step-by-step interventions to support and correct the child’s progress.
“There is no need for corporal punishment, as the issue often stems from a lack of knowledge or understanding. Any teacher who resorts to corporal punishment is committing a felony.
“The Child’s Rights Act or the Law of Lagos State can be accessed online for more information on the legal protections in place for children. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited, and engaging in such practices is a criminal offence in Nigeria.
“Should an investigation reveal that a teacher has violated this law, she will be held accountable and face legal consequences.
“The law also requires that neighbours, doctors, or any individuals who witness or suspect child abuse report it. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and there will be no defence for those who violate these protections.
“Lack of parenting skills, knowledge of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, learning challenges of pupils and students, and protection of the health and general well-being of children are shamefully displayed here.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.”
