The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ Mitots School, Ikorodu, Lagos, who was caught on video assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a numeracy lesson.
The viral video, which surfaced online, showed the teacher repeatedly smacking Abayomi as he stood in front of her desk.
The disturbing footage sparked widespread condemnation and prompted the intervention of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which arrested the teacher on Wednesday.
According to Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, the 45-year-old was arraigned on Thursday at Magistrate Court 1, Ogba.
“The suspect, who was arraigned in Magistrate Court 1, Ogba today, January 9, had been captured in a viral video indecently treating and assaulting a three-year-old pupil of a primary school in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
“Following receipt of the video, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of Ikorodu Police Division promptly arrested the suspect on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and transferred her to the Gender Unit of the Command Headquarters the same day after preliminary investigations. The victim was taken to a medical facility for adequate medical attention.
“The suspect has since been remanded to Kirikiri Correctional facility till February 18, 2025 when the case comes up for continuation of hearing.” Hundeyin said in a statement.
The Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, commended Nigerians for promptly alerting the authorities to the situation.
He assured the public of the command’s commitment to responding swiftly and appropriately to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors in Lagos State.
Meanwhile, Christ Mitots School has suspended indefinitely Nwadigo over the incident.
The school management, in a statement, condemned the teacher’s actions, describing them as unacceptable.
The institution assured the public that the teacher would remain suspended until the investigation concluded.
“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving one of our teachers and a student, which has been circulating on social media,” the statement reads.
“The video shows a teacher engaging in the physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values and principles of our school.
“As an institution deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care, and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make unequivocally clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely while a thorough investigation is conducted.
“This immediate and decisive action reflects our zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and our obligation to safeguard the safety and well-being of every child under our care.
“We extend our sincerest apologies to the student and their family. We have reached out to them personally to express our regret, after cur support, and ensure that their needs are fully addressed during this time.
“In light of this incident, we are taking firm steps to ensure that such behaviour is never repeated. As such, we will be organizing mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasize positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.”