Success Ignatius, a 10-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted many times by her teacher in the classroom, a human rights organisation has said.

Ignatius, a Basic 5 pupil of Seed of David International School at Glass Force, Ogborhill in Aba was allegedly defiled by her teacher, Nwachukwu Chibueze Nathaniel, and the matter has been reported to the Central Police Station in Aba.

“The Police carried out a test on the victim in their clinic and verbally told us that the victim had been exposed to a series of sexual activities over time and this would be an evidence when filing the court case according to the directives of the Area Command,” Princess Ogidinta, acting Director of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation in Abia State, stated.

“We requested to see the results but the IPO declined, stating that the case was not reported by our organisation but the family of the victim.”

Activists are asking that the case should be transferred to the Office of the Commissioner of Police for an “unbiased investigation”, while the management of the school should be investigated for allegedly covering up the matter.

The Director of the school, Israel Okere, described the issue as surprising because the school conducts a monthly sensitisation programme for its female pupils telling them to not allow anyone touch them inappropriately and to report if it happens.

“I was informed of the matter by the parent and staff of the school on June 25 and I have made a statement at the police station. The staff in question is in the custody of the police,” Okere said.

“We are all confused and saddened and I don’t know how this happened. Let justice be served. Let’s allow the police finish their investigation and we’ll know the truth about what happened.”

She said that the sensitisation exercise for its female pupils would now be done every week.

Abia State Commissioner of Police Janet Agbade told FIJ that the matter was being investigated and her enquiry revealed that the girl was raped months ago, making it difficult to easily collect evidence.

“We need evidence to prove cases like rape and defilement,” Agbade said. “That’s why one needs to be accurate and patient to see how to penetrate and gain conviction. The Officer-in-Charge said that it happened in January or February. From what I heard, it is unfortunate that the girl did not speak up immediately and even the school’s proprietress said she’s not aware.

“A judge can only be convinced with evidence. So we have to take the girl to a doctor. We have to wait for results of tests from professionals.”