Rivers School Proprietress Faces Trial Over Alleged Assault on Student

On Wednesday, June 10, the Rumuepirikom Police Division of the Rivers State Police Command took a significant step in addressing a disturbing incident at Phronesis Nursery, Primary and Secondary School. The school's proprietress, Mrs. Orjiugo Udeala, was arraigned before a Magistrate's Court, facing charges related to the alleged assault of a 16-year-old male student. According to the details of the charge sheet, Udeala and another individual, currently at large, are accused of conspiring to commit a felony, specifically assault occasioning harm, as outlined in Section 516(A) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. II, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999. Furthermore, the charges include unlawfully assaulting the student, identified as Gift Nwala Onyeche, by flogging him with a cane and inflicting a fist blow on his ear and head, thereby causing harm, an offense punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code. When the charges were read, Udeala pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate, Charles Wobisike Akpeh, granted Udeala bail in the sum of N100,000, with one surety in like sum, who must be resident within the court's jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to August 10, 2026, for further hearing. The incident highlights concerns about student safety and the appropriateness of disciplinary actions in educational settings.