The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department have brought up charges against a teacher, Adeniran Adebayo, who reportedly had sex with a 10 year old primary 4 pupil at a private school in the Ipaja area of Lagos.
The Investigating Police Officer, in his testimony before a Magistrate Court at Ebute Meta in Lagos yesterday, said, “I interviewed the victim after the matter was brought to the SCID. She said on the fateful day, she was in school after the closing hours and was waiting for her younger brother, who attended the same school, so they could go back home together.
“While waiting, she decided to get busy with her assignments. She said it was while she was doing the assignment that the teacher came and said she should follow him.
“He then took her to a toilet within the school premises and threatened to cane her if she screamed, unzipped himself, undressed the pupil and made love to her.
“The girl said she was crying while this was on. It was a female teacher, who was passing by that heard her cry. The female teacher came closer to have a better look and immediately the suspect saw her, he quickly zipped up. The pupil said the female teacher told him that being a teacher, he should never have taken advantage of the girl.”
The police officer said he called the supposed witness to verify the story but the female teacher denied seeing anything. However the girl continued to insist on the events as she narrated them.
The suspect teacher testified, “I am the health teacher of the school. I married five years ago, and have two sons. There are six male teachers in the school. On that day, I didn’t call the girl. I only stood at the gate and asked her and her brother to go home. That was all.
“I was surprised that after four days, they came to my office and arrested me. The toilet in question has never even been used by anybody.”
The magistrate however said his account was not credible.
“Kids hardly lie, especially when they are between the ages of six to 11. And that’s why I find it hard to believe the account of the defendant. People like you should not be in the society. If like you said there were six male teachers in your school, why did she decide to pick only you? It’s such a big shame,” he said.
The suspect was asked to be remanded in prison till October 15th. Bail was set at N300,000.