Police in Maiduguri, Borno State, have arrested a school teacher accused of assaulting a four-year-old pupil.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Borno State Command, ASP Sani Kamilu Shatambaya, confirmed the arrest on Saturday, November 25, 2022.
“The case is with the police, and the teacher has been arrested,” Shatambaya told journalists. “We are conducting a thorough and objective investigation and will take the matter to court once it’s concluded.”
Father Recounts the Incident
The victim’s father, Hassan Dala, said the incident occurred at Golden Olive Academy, a preschool and elementary school in Maiduguri.
According to him, the teacher allegedly hid his daughter under her veil and used her finger to violate her.
“The teacher often covered my daughter with her veil and forced her to perform indecent acts,” Dala said emotionally.
He explained that his wife noticed something was wrong when bathing their daughter. The child complained of pain in her private area. Initially, the mother dismissed it, thinking it was normal. However, when the pain persisted and blood appeared in the child’s urine, they took her to a private clinic in Bulumkutu.
A doctor at Miyetti Clinic advised them to conduct further investigation.
“A medical examination at Umaru Shehu Hospital confirmed the penetration,” Dala said angrily.
He called on Governor Babagana Zulum to intervene and ensure justice under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act.
Human Rights Commission Confirms Case
The Borno State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Jummai Usman Mshelia, also confirmed the case.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
“The school teachers were paraded, and the child identified a particular teacher,” Mshelia said.
She revealed that the suspect often distributed chocolates to pupils and allegedly used them to lure the victim.
Police have assured the public that the investigation will be fair and thorough, with justice served once the case is presented in court.
