The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of all individuals directly connected to the viral bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, announcing that the suspects will be charged to the family court in line with laws governing juvenile justice and child protection.
The state command, in a statement by its spokesman Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made after investigation and that the suspects would be charged to the family court in accordance with laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the viral bullying incident which has generated widespread concern and public reactions across the state. Following a thorough and painstaking investigation, the Command confirms that all individuals directly connected to the incident have been identified, while those implicated have been apprehended and are being charged to the family court in accordance with extant laws guiding juvenile justice and child protection,” the statement read.
The viral footage showed two students repeatedly attacking a fellow student who had fallen to the ground dragging the victim by his uniform, stomping on his chest and head while the boy cried out in pain as a third student filming the incident pleaded with the attackers to stop.
Igbinedion Education Centre had already expelled the students involved as an immediate disciplinary measure before the police announced the arrests.
Edo State Commissioner for Information Kassim Afegbua, who had earlier called the incident deeply disturbing, noted that although the suspects are minors the law still provides measures for handling such cases. “Even though they are minors, there are juvenile correctional centres where they can be kept if the courts make a pronouncement regarding prosecution,” he said, adding that Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed the Edo State Police Command to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.
The commissioner described the incident as a warning to parents, teachers and school authorities about the need for closer supervision of students and stronger discipline in schools, noting that the school is a boarding institution where students are under the supervision of teachers while parents are away. He stressed that there could be no justification for students bullying their peers under any circumstances.
The suspects are expected to appear before the family court as investigations are concluded.
