The Lagos Magistrate Court in Ogba has taken a firm stance against alleged child abuse, ordering the remand of Clifford Ikpikpini, proprietress of Cradle of Wisdom School in Igando, along with her two children, at the Kirikiri Correctional Center.
The court’s decision followed their arraignment on charges related to the alleged torture of a 10-year-old pupil.
Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi presided over the arraignment, where the 69-year-old Clifford Ikpikpini and her children, Okeisoprugwe Ikpikpini, 34, and Okorie Ikpikpini, 37, faced a four-count charge brought by the Commissioner of Police.
The charges include allegations of inflicting inhuman treatment and torture on a minor.
According to Police Prosecutor Raji Akeem, the defendants, along with others still at large, are accused of flogging the young boy with a cane on June 27 and 28, 2024.
The alleged incident, which occurred at Cradle of Wisdom School, left the child with injuries to his back, left hand, and waist. These actions allegedly violate sections 173, 172, and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
Further allegations state that the defendants infringed on the child’s right to dignity, subjecting him to torture and degrading treatment, offenses punishable under section 10 (1) (b) of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The situation escalated when the defendants reportedly refused to comply with police invitations, causing potential disruptions to public order.
In response to the case, a police spokesperson emphasized the broader implications of this legal action.
The case highlights the Lagos State government’s commitment to protecting children and upholding their rights, signaling a no-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse.