LAGOS, Nigeria – A disturbing incident has rocked a private school in Lekki, Lagos State, as a security guard, yet to be named, was apprehended by the police on charges of sexually assaulting a four-year-old pupil.
The case has stirred up a storm of controversy, with the victim’s family accusing the school management and local law enforcement of attempting to obstruct the investigation.
The allegations were first brought to light by a Twitter user, identified as Omolomo, or @TheVawulence, who detailed how the girl’s father faced threats from thugs allegedly dispatched by the school’s proprietor when he tried to report the incident at the Ajiwe Police Division.
So a 4 year old girl was r*aped by the security of a school in lekki Lagos the name of the school is Greater scholars international school
The father of the girl went to report the case to the police but the owner of the school brought thugs to threaten him.@BenHundeyin pic.twitter.com/2E0wBpGyTE
— Omolomo (@TheVawulence) May 12, 2023
“The security [guard] said he’s very sure he will get out of this without consequences because he knows how powerful the school is with the police,” @TheVawulence tweeted.
The account also claimed that the girl had initially reported the assault to her teacher, only to be chastised and told to remain silent.
A video posted by the Twitter user showing thugs obstructing the school gate has further fueled public outcry, with demands for justice echoing across the social media platform.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, confirmed the guard’s arrest on Saturday, May 13, 2023, and denied allegations of the police being inactive in the matter.
“The suspect has been arrested and is still in custody. A medical report that would ensure a conviction is being expected,” he clarified, adding that the police deal with evidence, not emotions.
Greater Scholars International School, where the incident allegedly took place, has yet to issue any statement regarding the incident.
In an effort to address the growing concern, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency issued a statement on May 3rd, 2023, titled, “RE: Alleged defilement of a 4-Year-Old by a Security Guard at Greater Scholars Int’l School.”
The agency assured the public that the case had been promptly referred for medical and psychosocial support for the child, while the suspect remained in police custody.
The agency added, “The case would be transferred to Gender, Lagos State Police Command before it is charged to court on Monday. We will continue to provide you with updates as the case progresses.”
The incident has sparked a fresh debate on the safety of children in educational institutions, as well as the responsibility of such institutions and law enforcement in ensuring justice is served in such sensitive matters.
