A 17-year-old secondary school student, Ilesanmi Emmanuel, has been remanded in a juvenile correctional facility after allegedly inflicting a severe eye injury on a 13-year-old female pupil during a school event in Akure, Ondo State.
The incident, which has sparked conversations about student safety and supervision in Nigerian schools, occurred on February 19, 2026, at approximately 7:41 a.m. at Mooreb Idea Primary and College, located in the state capital.
According to court documents, Emmanuel allegedly struck the victim, Olamide Kadiri, with a metal belt during a school programme, causing serious damage to her right eye. The teenager appeared before an Akure Magistrate’s Court facing assault charges.
School Authorities Also Face Charges
In a development that highlights the serious nature of the case, three school officials were also arraigned alongside the teenage defendant on charges of negligence.
The school’s 70-year-old proprietor, Mathew Ologunleko, staff member Ade Agunbiade (40), and class teacher Anifowose Rebecca (38) were accused of failing in their duty of care to protect students under their supervision.
Police prosecutor Martins Olowofeso informed the court that the school authorities failed to provide adequate supervision during the event, which allegedly contributed to the incident.
“The school management did not properly monitor the students, and this negligence led to the unfortunate attack on the young girl,” sources familiar with the proceedings revealed.
The Court’s Decision
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Temitope Alphonso made separate rulings for the defendants. While the three adult defendants were granted bail, the teenage student faces continued detention.
The school proprietor, staff member, and teacher were each admitted to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum. However, Emmanuel was remanded in a juvenile correctional facility pending the continuation of the case.
In a move that demonstrates the court’s concern for the victim’s welfare, Magistrate Alphonso ordered that weekly medical reports on Olamide’s condition be submitted to the court. This directive ensures continuous monitoring of the injured student’s recovery progress.
Legal Framework
The charges against all defendants are based on Sections 515 and 335 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2021, which deal with assault and negligence respectively.
Israel Tiwo, counsel representing the defendants, had appealed to the court for bail for the adult defendants, a request that was partially granted.
The case has been adjourned until March 31, 2026, for further proceedings, when more details about the incident and the victim’s medical condition are expected to emerge.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adequate supervision and safety measures in Nigerian educational institutions, particularly during school events and activities.
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