By Akinsuroju Olubunmi,
Court remands school proprietress over pupil abuse.
Chief Magistrate Bolanle Osunsanmi of the Ogba Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Mrs. Clifford Ikpinkpini, Proprietress of Cradle of Wisdom School, and her two children at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly torturing a 10-year-old pupil.
The remand was ordered pending the perfection of their bail following their arraignment. The proprietress and her children, Okeisoprugwe Ikpinkpini, 34, and Okorie Ikpinkpini, 37, faced four counts related to subjecting a pupil to inhuman treatment, torture, and obstruction of justice.
Police prosecutor Supol Raji Akeem informed the court that the accused committed the offences between June 27 and 28, 2024, at the Cradle of Wisdom School in Igando. The defendants allegedly flogged the boy with a cane, causing injuries to his back, left hand, and waist.
The prosecutor added that the defendants infringed on the boy’s dignity by subjecting him to degrading treatment. They also refused to comply with a police invitation, conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, and obstructed Inspector Yemi Amao from performing her duty.
These actions violated Sections 173, 172, 117, and 168(d) of the Lagos State Child Rights Law of 2015. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Osunsanmi granted them bail at N200,000 each with two sureties. It was reported that the pupil was punished for arriving late to school, explaining that he had difficulty finding a motorcycle and had to walk a long distance.
In court, the defendants caused a scene by refusing to provide their addresses or give statements. The IPO, Yemi Amoo, presented video evidence of their behavior, which led the magistrate to remand them until they provided the necessary information.
“This should serve as a warning to child abusers across Lagos State and Nigeria. The Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for child abuse,” Osunsanmi stated.
The case was adjourned to August 29, 2024, for mention.
Court remands school proprietress over pupil abuse