Lagos Teacher Remanded Over Alleged Sexual Assault of 4-Year-Old Pupil

A complaint by the parents of a four-year-old pupil has led to a court case in Lagos, with a teacher remanded pending legal advice over an alleged sexual assault.

A 43-year-old teacher, Mariam Ajibola, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old pupil at Sweet Angel Nursery/Primary School in Shasha, Lagos. The court ordered her remand pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

A 43-year-old female teacher, Mariam Ajibola, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos over the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old pupil at a private school in the Shasha area of the state.

The case came before Magistrate Mrs M.O. Tanimola at the Lagos Magisterial District following the teacher’s arraignment on a one-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

According to the charge, the alleged incident occurred in July 2026 at Sweet Angel Nursery/Primary School, Shasha, where Ajibola reportedly worked as a teacher.

The defendant was accused of sexually assaulting the four-year-old pupil, an offence punishable under Section 264 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The prosecution was led by ASP Lucky Ihehie, while the case was investigated by W/Inspector Raimi Idowu of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.

Why the Court Ordered Her Remand

During the court proceedings, the prosecutor informed the magistrate that the alleged offence was a serious felony involving a minor and could only be tried by the High Court.

He consequently asked the court to remand the defendant pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The prosecutor also requested that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the DPP for advice on the next steps in the prosecution.

In her ruling, Magistrate Tanimola ordered that Ajibola be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.

The magistrate further directed the police to duplicate the case file and forward it to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The defendant’s plea was not taken during the proceedings, as the matter requires further legal advice before the next stage of the case.

How the Alleged Incident Was Reported

Police sources said the complaint was lodged by the child’s parents after the four-year-old reportedly raised concerns about what had happened.

The complaint was subsequently referred to the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, which handles investigations into sexual assault, defilement and gender-based violence.

The circumstances surrounding the allegation are expected to be examined as the legal process continues.

Police Reiterate Commitment to Child Protection

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its position against child sexual abuse and sexual assault, particularly in schools and other places where children are placed under the care of adults.

The Command also urged parents and school proprietors to remain vigilant and pay close attention to the welfare and safety of children in their care.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the Ministry of Education, has emphasised the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for learning.

Private school proprietors have also been advised to conduct appropriate background checks on prospective employees and establish effective child-safeguarding policies.

Under Section 264 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, sexual assault is a criminal offence punishable upon conviction.

Ajibola remains in custody pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.