Jennifer Ugwueke
The police in Akwa Ibom State have arraigned the suspended Head Teacher of Deeper Life High School, Uyo, Mrs. Ndidi Solomon and six others for their roles in the alleged sexual abuse and mistreatment of an 11-year-old pupil.
Arraigned with Mrs. Solomon at the Magistrates’ Court in Uyo are Mrs. Ndidi So, Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna and two minors.
They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit: indecent treatment of boys under 14 years and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 556 of the Criminal Code, Cap.38, Vol. 2. Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
The two minors were charged with committing act of gross indecency by inserting their fingers into the anus of the 11-year-old pupil.
The minors’ offence is punishable under Section 218(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap.38, Vol.2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
Both were also charged with unlawfully and indecently assaulting the 11-year-old pupil, an offence punishable under Section 362(1) of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson and Joseph Ikenna were charged with failure to prevent the minors from committing felony, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 551 of the Criminal Code, Cap.38 Vol.11. Laws of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2000.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
The court granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 each, while the two minors were released to their parents.
The case was adjourned till January 20.
The police had arraigned the suspended head teacher and six others for their roles in the alleged sexual abuse and mistreatment of the 11-year-old pupil.
The pupil last month told his mother, Mrs. Deborah Archibong that he was several times molested and manhandled by some senior pupils and workers of the school because he bed wets.
The boy also complained that two pupils, who were minors, were fond of inserting their fingers into his anus.
Angered by his son’s alleged ordeal, Mrs. Archibong reported the matter to the head teacher and the Ministry of Education, but she was dissatisfied with the way the matter was handled.
Following a petition written by her lawyer, David Okokon, to the police, the suspects were arrested and arraigned.
