The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State is set to arraign Deeper Life school officials over the alleged bullying and sexual abuse of a minor in a branch of the institution located in Uyo.
According to PremiumTimes, some officials of the school were said to have been detained after attending a meeting at the police headquarters, Uyo, summoned by the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme.
It added that David Okokon, lawyer to the parents of the allegedly abused 11-year-old student of the school, Don Davis, said he would be in court today for the arraignment, saying;
“It is unclear for now how the police carried out their investigations, the extent of individuals’ culpability, and what charges the police would file against the suspects.”
The police spokesperson in the State, Odiko MacDon, confirmed on Wednesday morning that the police were preparing to arraign “those found culpable”.
Mr. MacDon, a superintendent of police, also confirmed the arrest and detention of some of the school officials.
MacDon stated;”This morning, we are trying to tidy up (investigation), we are dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. If we are not through this morning, they will be arraigned tomorrow.”
Trouble began when the victim’s mother, Deborah Archibong, alleged that some senior students of Deeper Life High School sexually abused her son when the school authorities switched him from his dormitory to another dormitory filled with senior students.
Archibong in a video posted on Facebook, expressed:
“They will remove his boxer and push their legs and hands into his anus. Look at a child I sent to school, he came back with a broken anus.”
The woman added that her son was frequently starved and beaten up by the senior students.
Reacting to the allegations, the Education Secretary of the school, Mrs. Thelma Malaka, said investigation was ongoing and justice would be served when all findings have been finalized.
She stated:
“Permit me to remind you that the Office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has taken over the investigation of the matter to ensure neutrality and a dispassionate outcome.
“We appreciate the concerted efforts of everyone who has shown support in the investigation thus far. We reiterate that we will be transparent and that justice will not only be served, but it will also be seen by all that it has been served.”
Mrs. Malaka added:
“We will like to state that Deeper Life High School stands on the core values of integrity and uprightness and will not attempt to cover up any immoral act under any guise. We have unflinching confidence in our God to resolve the issue such that in the end, the truth will ultimately prevail.”
The school said it has since suspended the school’s principal as the investigation continues.
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