Teacher Faces Court for Alleged Assault of Female Student in Abuja

A 43-year-old teacher, David Yusuf, found himself in a courtroom in Abuja. He stands accused of allegedly flogging a female student at the Government Girls College in Kuje, FCT.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions, as well as the ethical conduct of educators in the sale of textbooks. David Yusuf, described as a casual staff member of the college, was charged with two counts: causing grievous harm without provocation and assault. He pleaded not guilty to these charges.

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The police prosecutor, Mr. Edwin Inegbenoise, informed the court that the case had been transferred from the Kuje Divisional Police Headquarters to the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT, for further investigation. The case was initiated after Henry Iortim, a resident of Union Homes Estate in Kuje, reported the incident at the police station.  According to the prosecutor, Mr. Iortim alleged that on June 2, his 16-year-old daughter, who is a student at the college, was assaulted by the defendant during a night study session. The teacher reportedly used an iron rod to flog the victim, causing injuries to her palm and other parts of her body.

The charges brought against the defendant are said to contravene the provisions of sections 241 and 326 of the Penal Code. Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties of a similar amount, with the condition that they must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. The magistrate also ordered that the addresses of the sureties should be verified by the court's registrar before the defendant can be released.

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The case has been adjourned until November 6 for a hearing and the presentation of witnesses by the prosecuting counsel. While the court proceedings revolve around the alleged assault of a female student, it is worth noting that this incident also draws attention to another concern in the education sector. The practice of educators selling textbooks to their students has come under scrutiny in various countries. Such practices can lead to conflicts of interest, ethical dilemmas, and financial strain on students and their families. It is an issue that education authorities and institutions need to address to ensure a fair and equitable learning environment.

The case of David Yusuf, the teacher accused of assaulting a female student, will continue to be monitored as it unfolds in court. It is a stark reminder of the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of students within educational institutions, as well as the importance of ethical conduct among educators, particularly in matters such as the sale of textbooks.