Court Orders Detention of Student Over Alleged Assault on 13-Year-Old Classmate in Ondo

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered a 17-year-old student, Ilesanmi Emmanuel, to be held at a juvenile correctional facility following allegations of assaulting a 13-year-old female student, Olamide Kadiri, with a metal belt, which resulted in significant damage to her eye.

The alleged incident took place on February 19, 2026, around 7:41 a.m. at Mooreb Idea Primary and College located in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

Emmanuel was brought to court alongside several school officials, including the school proprietor, Mathew Ologunleko, aged 70; staff member Ade Agunbiade, aged 40; and class teacher Anifowose Rebecca, aged 38, who face charges of negligence.

According to the charges filed, the accused allegedly struck the victim with a metal belt during a school event, leading to severe injuries to her right eye.

The police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, indicated to the court that the failure of the school authorities to appropriately oversee the student activities contributed to the occurrence of the assault.

The prosecution asserts that the school proprietor and staff neglected their responsibility to safeguard the children under their care, leading to the injury.

This alleged act violates Sections 515 and 335 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2021, which outlines the legal repercussions for such offenses.

Representing the defendants, counsel Israel Tiwo requested the court to grant bail to the school officials, who were accused of negligence.

Magistrate Temitope Alphonso, in her ruling, granted bail to the three school staff members, each required to pay N500,000 and present one surety of equivalent value.

However, the magistrate ruled that the teenage defendant, Emmanuel, would remain in a juvenile facility until the next hearing.

It was also directed that a weekly medical update regarding the condition of the victim be submitted to the court.

The case has been scheduled for further proceedings on March 31, 2026.