Assault On Teachers: Ekiti Govt Set To Prosecute Erring Policemen

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government is set to prosecute some Policemen who assaulted  Secondary School teachers in Ado Ekiti, two months ago.

The trial of the Police officers, accused of beating up the Principal, Teachers and other staff members of Mary Immaculate Grammar School, Ado Ekiti  has commenced in Ado Ekiti with Orderly Room trial.

The Orderly Room trial, which by police regulations, is the first disciplinary procedure for erring police officers is being held at the State Police Command.

A Police Sergeant, Agenoise Elijah, in May, led four policemen to Mary Immaculate Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti to harass and assault the principal and other school officials for reprimanding his daughter for a haircut the school authorities thought was indecent and inappropriate.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,  Mr Olawale Fapohunda, had in separate meetings with the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT) and the Principal and staff of  the school reaffirmed the Zero tolerance policy of the Fayemi administration to all forms of violence against teachers in schools.

He assured that without prejudice to the outcome of the orderly room trial and possible prosecution of the accused policemen, the Ministry of Justice would also institute civil proceedings against the policemen for injuries caused the teachers.

The Commissioner also promised the teachers that senior lawyers in his Ministry would provide legal advice and representation to the affected teachers through out the proceedings at no cost to them.

Already, four members of staff of the school had gave evidence during the orderly room trial, which has been adjourned to Wednesday, 14th July 2021 for continuation of hearing.