Stella Nwadigbo, a 46-year-old teacher, was on Thursday brought before a Lagos court to answer to charges of assault after a viral video showed her physically abusing a 3-year-old child in her class. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, as many were horrified by the brutal treatment of the young child at the hands of someone entrusted with their education and care.
Nwadigbo, who resides in Isawo, a community in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, faces a serious charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. The charge was brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, where Nwadigbo was arraigned in connection with the disturbing episode that unfolded on January 7, 2025, at Christ Mitot School, located in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The prosecutor, ASP Raji Akeem, detailed the events that led to the charges during the court proceedings. According to Akeem, the abuse took place while Nwadigbo was engaged in teaching the child how to write numerals. The teacher, instead of providing appropriate guidance and encouragement, subjected the child to a series of violent actions. The boy, who was merely 3 years old, was slapped and struck multiple times by Nwadigbo, a shocking display of aggression toward a vulnerable, defenseless child.
The harrowing video of the incident quickly went viral, drawing outrage from parents, child advocacy groups, and concerned citizens alike. The footage, which showed the teacher hitting the child repeatedly while he was seated at his desk, became a point of national discussion, with many questioning how a teacher could treat a child with such cruelty. The child, visibly frightened, appeared unable to defend himself as Nwadigbo continued her violent outbursts. It was only after the video circulated widely that the authorities took action to investigate the situation and charge Nwadigbo with a crime.
ASP Akeem, representing the prosecution, stated in court that Nwadigbo’s actions were not only unprovoked but also caused significant harm to the young boy. He emphasized that the offense was a direct violation of Sections 135 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which relate to assault and causing grievous bodily harm. The law explicitly states that any act of physical violence that results in harm, especially toward a minor, constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law. Akeem described the incident as particularly egregious, given the victim’s age and the position of trust that Nwadigbo held as a teacher in the classroom.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Nwadigbo pleaded not guilty to the allegations of assault. She appeared before the court with her legal representatives, who contested the charges on her behalf. Nwadigbo’s defense team maintained her innocence, although the viral video provided clear evidence of her actions. The case has, therefore, become a significant point of legal and social debate, as the legal process will determine whether the teacher will face the full weight of the law for her abusive behavior.
In response to the charges, Chief Magistrate Mrs. O. Kushanu, who presided over the case, granted Nwadigbo bail. However, the court imposed strict conditions for her release. Nwadigbo was granted bail in the sum of N200,000, a substantial amount for a case of this nature, with the added requirement that she provide two sureties, each of whom must present a bond of the same amount. This ensures that Nwadigbo will appear for future court proceedings, and also serves as a measure to guarantee her accountability while awaiting trial.
The court also set a date for the next stage of legal proceedings. Chief Magistrate Kushanu adjourned the case until February 18, 2025, for further mention. During this time, the authorities will continue their investigation into the matter, and legal preparations will be made to bring the case to trial. The adjournment allows for more time to gather evidence, particularly from child protection agencies, witnesses, and possibly expert testimony regarding the child’s injuries and the psychological impact of the assault.
The incident has not only garnered significant attention because of the shocking nature of the abuse but also because it raises serious questions about the conduct of teachers and other caregivers in schools. The viral video has sparked national debates about the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions, particularly concerning the training, monitoring, and accountability of teachers. Many parents have voiced their concerns, questioning how such behavior could go unnoticed and unchecked by school authorities. The outrage is particularly intense, as many parents trust teachers with their children’s education and well-being, making such a breach of trust all the more devastating.
In the aftermath of the incident, there has been a growing call for stricter regulations and oversight in Nigerian schools. Child rights organizations have voiced their concern about the psychological and physical toll that such abuse can have on young children, and have called for immediate action to prevent further incidents. Some have suggested that school systems implement more comprehensive background checks for educators, including psychological evaluations, to ensure that teachers are suitable to work with young children.
This case also brings to light the broader issue of child abuse in Nigeria, where many cases often go unreported or under-investigated. There are ongoing efforts by various child advocacy groups to raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse in homes, schools, and communities. These organizations emphasize the need for more robust systems to protect children and ensure that those who harm them are held accountable.
As the case progresses, many people are hopeful that justice will be served, not only for the young victim but also for the sake of children across the country who are vulnerable to mistreatment. The legal proceedings will likely be watched closely, as they could set a precedent for how cases of child abuse by educators are handled in the future.
In conclusion, the arraignment of Stella Nwadigbo is just the beginning of a legal process that will continue to unfold in the coming months. The charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm is a serious matter, and the court’s decision will likely have far-reaching implications for the teacher, the victim, and the broader educational community. As the investigation and legal proceedings move forward, many hope that the outcome will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children from harm and ensuring that those entrusted with their care and education are held to the highest standards of conduct.
