Abia State Court Jails School Security Guard For S£xually ∆busing 10-Year-Old Pupil

Abia State Court Jails School Security Guard For Sexually Abusing 10-Year-Old Pupil

The court ordered that both sentences should run concurrently.

AFamily Court sitting at the Magistrate Court in Aba, Abia State, has convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old security officer attached to Radiant Glory Academy, Umuichichi, Chidiebere Kalu, for sexually abusing a 10-year-old female pupil.

The court found Kalu guilty of two counts of indecent assault and instilling fear in a minor following his prosecution over incidents reported by the child’s family.

The judgement, delivered on Wednesday, sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count and one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine on the second count.

The court ordered that both sentences should run concurrently.

Reacting to the judgement, the Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN), Abia State Chapter, described the conviction as a major victory for child protection and justice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisations said the judgement reaffirmed the right of every child to protection, justice and dignity.

According to the groups, the case arose from incidents that allegedly occurred within the school premises and was prosecuted after the survivor’s family reported the matter to the relevant authorities.

The Executive Director of VIDI and Abia State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Ambassador Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, said the organisations provided child protection support for the survivor, monitored the police investigation and followed the case through prosecution until judgment was delivered.

“This judgement sends a clear message that child abuse has no place in our schools or communities and that perpetrators of offences against children can be held accountable through the justice system,” Nwosu said.

She added that the conviction reinforced the principle that every child has the right to safety, dignity and protection while underscoring the need to strengthen child protection laws and enforcement mechanisms.

“The outcome also highlights the need to strengthen child protection laws, enforcement mechanisms and sentencing frameworks to ensure punishments for offences against children serve as effective deterrents,” she said.

Nwosu commended the Nigeria Police Force, the prosecution team, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction.

She also praised the courage of the child survivor and her parents for pursuing justice despite the challenges associated with the case.

“We commend the courage of the child survivor and her parents for seeking justice. Their resilience made it possible for accountability to prevail,” she said.

Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding children, Nwosu said VIDI would continue working with government institutions, schools, communities and development partners to prevent violence against children, support survivors and promote safe learning environments.

She added, “We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen child protection systems, support survivors and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for every child.”