The suspended principal of Deeper Life High School in Akwa Ibom state, Mrs Ndidi Solomon, alongside four accused persons in the alleged molestation of an 11-year-old JSS1 student, Don Davies, has been granted bail.
The five suspects on Thursday were granted bail in the sum of N500,000, each after being slammed with a four-count charge of negligence, sexual molestation, maltreatment and starvation.
They were arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Uyo. The accused persons – members of staff of the school – are Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna, including two minors.
The two minors (names withheld) were charged for committing act of gross indecency by inserting their fingers into the anus of Don-Davies.
The minors’ offence is punishable under section 218(1) of the Criminal code, cap.38, vol.2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
Both were also charged for unlawfully and indecently assaulting Don-Davies Archibong, which is an offence punishable under section 362(1) of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
When the case was read, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.
The four members of staff were charged with failure to prevent the two students “from committing felony, thereby committed an offence punishable under section 551 of the criminal code, cap.38 vol.11. Laws of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2000”.
When the case was read, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.
The Court granted all the accused persons bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, while the two minors among them were released to their parents.
The case was adjourned to January 20, 2021.
The case continues…