The magistrate court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, has granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each to Ndidi Solomon, the suspended principal of Deeper Life High School in the state, and six others earlier arrested over alleged molestation of an 11-year-old student, Don-Davies Archibong.
KanyiDaily had earlier reported that Solomon was arraigned before the court on Thursday alongside Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna and two minors over alleged child molestation.
The five accused persons are standing trial on a four-count bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit and indecent treatment of boys under 14, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 556 of the criminal code cap 38 vol 2 laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
The two minors, Shalom Ibukun and Ola Feyisetan were charged for committing an act of gross indecency by inserting their fingers into the anus of Don Davies and committing an offence punishable under section 218(1) of the criminal code, cap.38, vol.2 laws of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2000.
But when the case was read, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Counsel to the accused, Fidelis Igwe pleaded for bail, arguing that the alleged offence is bailable.
The Magistrate in charge of the court granted all the accused persons bail in the sum of 500,000 each while the two minors among them were released to their parents. The case was adjourned to January 20, 2021, for accelerated hearing.
Speaking to newsmen at the court premises, Counsel to the petitioner, David Okokon Esq, says he is committed to ensuring that justice is served while the Counsel to the accused persons declined comments on the case.
The presiding Magistrate warned all stakeholders in the case to avoid unguarded media comments that could negatively affect the court process.
KanyiDaily had reported how an Don Davis was allegedly dehumanized by his principal, teachers and colleagues for bed wetting at Deeper Life High School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
It was gathered that the JSS 1 student was punished and starved for bed wetting, before the school authorities transferred him to the seniors’ hostel where he was raped and molested by SS2 students.
Following the outrage among Nigerians, the management of Deeper Life announced that the school principal, Ndidi Solomon, had been suspended and investigation is ongoing into the matter.
