Raphaela Ogbodo’s Death: LASG Exonerate Self, Says It Is Not Sweeping The Case Under The Carpet; Says Justice Will Be Served

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education have explained that contrary to speculations, the case of Raphaela Ogbodo, two-year old Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo, Lagos, pupil who slipped, and drowned  in the pool of the School is alive. They insist that it has not been swept under the carpet.

The unfortunate incident which happened on January 15th, 2025, saw the LASG swing into action by clamping down on the School, putting it under lock and key.

The Proprietor of the School alongside the Pool Instructor, the Care Giver and Five other Staff members were arrested and are currently under investigated by the Police.

The Silence of the LASG on the issue weeks after the incident led to suspicion from different quarters that the case may soon be a forgotten issue.

John Ogbodo, father of the deceased had, last week, in an interview, demanded justice for his late daughter. He said that the Police and the LASG have been silent about the issue.

However, in an interview  Kayode Sutton, Public Affairs and Spokesperson for the LASG and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, debunked the insinuation that the LASG is been indifferent, and planning to sweep the case under the carpet.

Sutton stated that the LASG is not resting on its oars on the issue and is ready to wield the big stick, but Forensic investigation is still ongoing as the LASG is working tirelessly with the Police to unrave what really happened. Anyone found culpable, he said will be brought to book.

“The School has been under lock and key since January 17th, 2025, and the LASG is looking ideep into root cause of the issue and not looking at it from the surface. We are working assiduously for there not to be  reoccurrence of such event. The Police have requested for the CCTV footage of the event.

“Though, those arrested from the School are currently on bail, but are under investigation and they report at the Station to assist in the ongoing investigation.

“As a State and Ministry, we have commiserated with the family of the deceased and sent emissaries there. We assure the family that justice will be served as anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law”, Sutton stated.