A Lagos school teacher captured in viral videos slapping a three-year-old pupil says she is not guilty. She is facing charges for child assault.
On January 7, 2025, the world watched teacher Stella Nwadigbo of Christ Mitot School in Lagos, hitting the pupil. The toddler was attempting to write numerals. The teacher’s assault, witnessed by other pupils, sparked outrage across Nigeria.
The police arrested Nwadigbo the next day and she was arraigned today. At the Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, she pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2025. The court granted her bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with two sureties of like amount.
Social media users are still not pacified. One user wrote, “This is sickening! Teachers are supposed to protect children, not abuse them. This is a clear violation of trust!” Another said, “How can someone do this to a defenseless child? This is pure cruelty!” One Samuel Bassey Gcon wrote: “She should be kept in Kirikiri and let the matter be pending for 5 years before first hearing, then adjourn it again indefinitely.” Peter Inalegwu Ameh said, “If you do not have patience,, you shouldn’t bother being a teacher. You have no business there. Pouring out your frustration on a child might leave them with a trauma their parents will NEVER be aware of.”
Child assault is an increasing pattern
This latest case of child assault comes amid a troubling pattern of similar incidents across Nigeria. Just recently, a teacher in Benin was arrested for allegedly using a cane to strike a six-year-old repeatedly. In Port Harcourt, another teacher was caught on camera shouting at and intimidating young students. In both instances, the teachers were suspended while the authorities promised investigations. The case in Benin resulted in charges of child abuse. However, activists criticise some of the cases for undue delays in justice, leading to frustrations among citizens.
Reactions to this case is similar to the case of Susan Martin, a teacher in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Authorities arrested her in November 2024 for slapping two autistic children in her care. Martin, who was a special education teacher at Thacher Elementary School, faced accusations of being overly aggressive with students, with multiple staff members reporting her abusive behaviour.
Her actions were condemned as a “betrayal of trust” by Attleboro Public Schools. She was placed on administrative leave while the police investigation continued. Like Nwadigbo, Martin was charged with child assault but was released on personal recognizance, pending further legal proceedings.
Reactions from other teachers
In both instances, the reactions from trained teachers and school owners have been one of disbelief and concern. Many educators argue that such behaviour goes against the core values of the teaching profession. “Teaching is about guidance and care, not violence,” said Magda Lipman, a teacher with a Lagos-based private school. “Teachers should be role models, not aggressors.”
Under the law, both in Nigeria and the U.S., such acts of teacher abuse are taken very seriously. In Lagos, the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, specifically Section 135, which addresses assault, provides for severe penalties for offenders. If convicted, Nwadigbo could face a lengthy prison sentence. That would send a strong message to others in the education sector. Similarly, in Massachusetts, assault on a person with an intellectual disability is a felony offense. It carries significant consequences, including prison time and potential loss of teaching certification.
The law’s focus on the protection of children and vulnerable individuals has made it clear that teachers who violate their duties in such a way will be held accountable. Public outrage continues to mount, with citizens and advocacy groups calling for stricter measures to protect children. This, says Lipman, will ensure that no child will again suffer at the hands of someone meant to be their protector.
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