A Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba has remanded the proprietress of Cradle of Wisdom School, Mrs. Clifford Ikpinkpini, and her two children, Okeisoprugwe Clifford Ikpinkpini (34) and Okorie Ikpinkpini (37), at the Kirikiri Correctional Center.
They are accused of torturing and subjecting a ten-year-old pupil, Abel Ojeka, to inhuman treatment.
Chief Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi ordered their remand pending the perfection of their bail conditions after they were arraigned by the police on a four-count charge, including inhuman treatment and torture.
The Lagos State Police Command charged the defendants with subjecting Abel Ojeka to torture and inhuman treatment, claiming that on June 27 and 28, 2024, at the school premises in Igando, they flogged Ojeka with a cane, causing injuries on his back, left hand, and waist. These actions are punishable under Sections 173, 172, and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
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The prosecution also accused the defendants of infringing on the victim’s right to dignity by subjecting him to degrading treatment, an offense under Section 10 (1) (b) of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. Additionally, when the incident was reported, the defendants allegedly conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by refusing police invitations and obstructing Inspector Yemi Amao from performing her duty.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Osunsanmi granted them bail of N200,000 each with two sureties and adjourned the case to August 29, 2024.
A dramatic moment occurred in court when the defendants refused to provide their address details or give statements. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Yemi Amoo, presented video evidence showing their behavior towards the police, which led the Chief Magistrate to condemn their actions and order their remand until they were ready to cooperate with the court.