A Lagos-based teacher, Stella Nwadigo, has pleaded not guilty to charges of physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during her arraignment at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday. The incident, which took place at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, came to light after a viral video showed the teacher repeatedly slapping the child while teaching him to write the number six.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed the arraignment in a statement on X.com. The statement revealed that Nwadigo faced two charges, to which she entered a plea of not guilty.
During the court session presided over by Magistrate M.O. Kusanu, Nwadigo’s defense counsel applied for bail. The court granted the application, setting bail at ₦200,000 and requiring two verifiable sureties. Nwadigo was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfillment of her bail conditions. The case was adjourned to January 18, 2024, for trial.
The video of the incident, which sparked widespread public outrage, also led to Nwadigo’s suspension by the school’s management. The victim, Abayomi, reportedly required hospitalization following the assault.
The case has drawn significant attention, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in educational institutions and ensure justice for the child.
