A 45 year old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, has been remanded in custody for allegedly assaulting a three year old pupil at Christ Mitos Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the teacher repeatedly slapping the toddler for struggling to write numbers, sparking widespread outrage.
The police prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, told the Ogba Magistrate Court yesterday that the offence occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, during school hours. Raji stated that Nwadigo’s actions caused visible injuries and swelling on the pupil’s face, violating Sections 135 and 172 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
During the court hearing, Nwadigo pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Olabisi Kusanu granted her bail set at ₦200,000 with two sureties, but she was remanded at the Kirikiri correctional facility pending the next hearing on February 18, 2025.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the victim received medical care and the case is being handled by the Gender Unit. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin commended Nigerians for reporting the abuse promptly and assured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice and child safety.
In response to the incident, Christ Mitos Primary School condemned Nwadigo’s actions, describing them as unacceptable. The school has suspended the teacher indefinitely and initiated an internal investigation. A statement from the school expressed regret and apologized to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding students.
The school announced plans to organize mandatory child protection training for its teachers and introduce a whistle blowing system to encourage reporting of misconduct.