Metro
Molestation Scandal: Police Arraign Seven Deeper Life High School Suspects
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said on Wednesday that seven suspects connected to the Deeper Life High School child molestation scandal had been charged.
The suspects, including 45-year-old Ndidi Solomon and four others, were arraigned before a magistrates’ court, while two students mentioned were arraigned at a juvenile court.
The command said in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, said the arraignment followed a petition from one Mrs Deborah Archibong to the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme.
The statement titled: ‘Suspects connected to the Deeper Life High School crisis charged to court’, read in part, “Consequent upon a petition from one Mrs Deborah Okezie Archibong to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, Andrew Amiengheme, and upon the commissioner’s directive for a discreet investigation into the issues contained therein, one Mrs Ndidi Solomon, aged 45, and four other staff (members), including two students, whose actions or inactions negated extant laws have been today (Wednesday) charged to court.
“While Mrs Ndidi Solomon and four others were charged to the magistrates’ court, the two students were charged to the Juvenile Court.”
The CP, while noting that it was only expedient for matters of this nature to be quickly investigated and the courts allowed to decide on the merits, called on school authorities to take the welfare and discipline of their students seriously.
However, contrary to the police statement, the four suspects, who were meant to be arraigned before the Uyo Magistrates’ Court could not be arraigned due to the absence of the magistrate.
Counsel for the defendants, Fidelis Igwe, said, “The police brought seven accused persons, five were staff members of the school and two of them were students and minors.
“They were not arraigned because we were informed that the chief magistrate was not around, but that she would be around tomorrow (Thursday).”
Igwe accused the police of keeping the court in the dark even to the point of arraignment.
He stated, “The police have not told us what these people are to be charged for. They just called them out and asked them to come to court. They have neither briefed their lawyers nor the management of the school.
“We have been going there (police station) for introduction and interrogation, but when we got there yesterday (Tuesday), after interviewing them the police said they were going to detain them, but they told us nothing thereafter.”
Counsel for the claimant, David Okokon, explained that the reason why the court did not sit was an administrative issue, saying that the police and the court did not have the same modalities.
Okokon accused the medical doctor, who was indicted in the matter, of engaging in crude practice, adding that he would petition the Nigerian Medical Association.
The Punch
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
