Court Remands Lagos Teacher In Prison For Slapping 3-Yr-Old Pupil

Lagos, Nigeria – Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, appeared before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday after being charged with physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael.

Nwadigo’s arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing her repeatedly slapping the young boy during a lesson. The incident, which occurred while she was allegedly teaching him to write the number six, sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.

According to a statement released by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on X.com, the teacher pleaded not guilty to the two charges read to her in court.

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“Following the ongoing viral case of child abuse, all concerned parties appeared today, 9th January 2024, at the Ogba Magistrate Court,” the statement read. “The matter was assigned to Magistrate M.O. Kusanu. Two charges were read to the suspect, to which she pled not guilty.”

The court granted Nwadigo bail at ₦200,000 with two verifiable sureties. However, she was remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfillment of her bail conditions. The case was adjourned to January 18, 2024, for trial.

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The school’s management has suspended Nwadigo, while reports indicate that Abayomi was hospitalised as a result of the assault.

The video’s widespread circulation highlighted growing concerns about child abuse in schools, prompting a strong public outcry. Advocacy groups and individuals have continued to call for stricter enforcement of laws protecting children from abuse in educational settings.

For updates on this developing story, follow #ChildAbuseJusticeLagos on social media platforms.