On November 18, 2024, a 22-year-old teacher, identified as Prosper, from the Blessed Peace School located in Egbeda, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, was detained by the Lagos State Police Command. This arrest follows allegations that he sodomized a 10-year-old boy enrolled at the school.
According to investigations conducted by a correspondent from PUNCH Metro, the incident unfolded on October 18, 2024, when the suspect allegedly lured the young student to a secluded area within the school premises. Prior to the act, Prosper reportedly instructed the child to behave like a girl and remove his trousers. He had promised the boy participation in an art competition and spelling bee, claiming that the child could win millions of naira and even travel abroad.
An eyewitness familiar with the situation recounted the details, stating, “The teacher manipulated the boy into thinking he would be enrolled in a lucrative competition, assuring him of a substantial financial prize.” The perpetrator took the child into an empty classroom, where he coerced him into compliance under the guise of preparing for the competition. After committing the act, Prosper allegedly threatened the boy, warning him not to disclose what had transpired, under the pretense that it would jeopardize his chances of winning.
The situation took a turn when another student, an 11-year-old boy, expressed his reluctance to attend the school. When questioned by his parents, he disclosed that a teacher had been intimidating him and making threats in connection with non-compliance to his demands. This revelation prompted an inquiry involving the school management and other educators, although initial investigations yielded no substantial leads. However, a teacher recalled that Prosper had exhibited unusual favoritism towards one student, often showering him with gifts and attention.
As the investigation progressed, the boy who had been assaulted came forward with his own account of being lured by the promise of financial gain and travel opportunities. The school administration was unaware of any legitimate competitions that had been mentioned by the teacher.
Prosper was apprehended on November 13, 2024, while allegedly attempting to repeat his actions with another student. Following his arrest, he was initially taken into custody at the Idimu Division before being transferred to the Police Gender Unit for further legal proceedings.
Concerns regarding the prosecution of the case have been raised by Mrs. Ololade Ajayi, the founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence. She reported difficulties in the case’s progress, indicating that it had not yet been brought to court since its transfer to the Gender Unit. During a conversation with the investigating officer, she offered to assist the victim’s family with transportation costs to facilitate their participation in the investigation. However, subsequent communications raised suspicions of possible delays or foul play within the police department.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to inquiries regarding the case. However, Chief Superintendent of Police Gladys Faniyi, head of the Idimu Police Division, confirmed that the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Police Gender Unit, directing inquiries to that department for further information.
This incident is reminiscent of a previous case in July, where a 27-year-old teacher, Bright Emelogu, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the sodomy of a 14-year-old student in a Lagos court
