Kehinde Fajobi
Stella Nwadigo, a teacher arrested for assaulting a three-year-old pupil at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos, 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 child, Abayomi Micheal, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to her.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed the development in a statement on X.com, noting, “Following the ongoing viral case of child abuse, all concerned parties appeared today, 9th January 2024, at the Ogba Magistrate Court.
“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 requested bail, which the court set at ₦200,000 with two verifiable sureties.
The suspect has been remanded in a correctional facility, and the case was adjourned to 18th January 2024 for trial.
The viral video, which showed Nwadigo slapping Abayomi while attempting to teach him how to write the number six, sparked public outrage.
As a result, Nwadigo was suspended by the school, and Abayomi was reportedly hospitalised.