Assault on Toddler: Lagos State Invokes Child Rights Act
Teacher Arrested, School Temporarily Shut Down
By Nurudeen Adebayo
The Lagos State Government has invoked the Child Rights Act and the Lagos State Policy on Safeguarding and Child Protection against Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ Mitots Nursery and Primary School, Ikorodu, for indecently assaulting a toddler.
A viral video shared on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, showed Mrs. Nwadigbo aggressively smacking a three-year-old pupil, Master Abayomi Michael, multiple times during a lesson.
The footage, which sparked widespread outrage, prompted immediate intervention by the state authorities.
In response, the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education conducted a fact-finding visit to the school on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The school, approved in 2010, was found partially shut down, with pupils asked to remain at home until Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Head Teacher, Mrs. B. Adeyeri, speaking on behalf of the proprietor, Rev. (Mrs.) O.N. Olutoye, explained that the closure was necessary to protect pupils from harassment and uncontrolled public attention.
“There have been overwhelming visits from members of the public, seeking pictures and videos of the school premises,” she said.
Meanwhile, Master Abayomi Michael has been referred for medical attention, while Mrs. Nwadigbo has been arrested and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
She will remain in custody until February 18, 2025, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Lagos State Government emphasized that Mrs. Nwadigbo’s actions violated the Child Rights Act and the Lagos State Policy on Safeguarding and Child Protection, which carry severe penalties under the law.
Further investigations are set to continue on Monday, January 13, 2025. The probe will require the attendance of the school proprietor, Rev. (Mrs.) Olutoye; the Head Teacher, Mrs. Adeyeri; the survivor, Master Michael; his mother, Mrs. Okunlaya Adenike Fatimah, who also teaches at the school; and other pupils for detailed engagement.
