By Ade Ayodele
A Lagos Magistrate Court in Ogba has ordered the remand of Clifford Ikpikpini, the proprietress of Cradle of Wisdom School, Igando, and her two children at the Kirikiri Correctional Center. They are accused of torturing and subjecting a 10-year-old pupil to inhuman treatment.
Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi issued the remand order after their arraignment. The Commissioner of Police charged Clifford Ikpikpini, 69, and her children, Okeisoprugwe Ikpikpini, 34, and Okorie Ikpikpini, 37, with a four-count charge of inhuman treatment and torture.
Police Prosecutor Raji Akeem alleged that on June 27 and 28, 2024, at Cradle of Wisdom School, the defendants and others at large flogged the 10-year-old boy with a cane, causing injuries to his back, left hand, and waist. The offence is punishable under sections 173, 172, and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The defendants are also accused of infringing on the boy’s right to dignity by subjecting him to torture and degrading treatment, punishable under section 10(1)(b) of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
When the incident was reported to the police, the defendants allegedly refused to cooperate and ignored police invitations, conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace. Part of the charge read that they obstructed Inspector Yemi Amao from Igando Police Station in performing her duty, an offence under section 117 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of ₦200,000 with two sureties each. Magistrate Osunsanmi adjourned the case to August 29, 2024.
The incident began when the pupil arrived late to school on June 27, explaining that he had difficulty finding transportation. Despite his explanation, the defendants allegedly flogged him, resulting in swelling and injuries. After his mother and relatives complained, the school expelled the boy and his siblings, citing “unacceptable gross irresponsibility, indiscipline, and unruliness.”
The case was reported to the police, who pressed charges after the school authorities failed to respond to their invitation. In court, a mild drama ensued as the defendants refused to provide their addresses or make statements. The Investigating Police Officer, Yemi Amoo, presented video evidence of their behavior to the Chief Magistrate, who condemned their actions.
The Chief Magistrate stated that if the defendants continued to withhold their information, they would remain in custody. She emphasized that this case serves as a warning to child abusers in Lagos State and Nigeria, signaling zero tolerance for such abuse in schools.