A Family Court sitting at the Magistrate Court in Aba, Abia State, has sentenced a 30-year-old school security officer to prison after finding him guilty of sexually abusing a 10-year-old female pupil.
The convict, Chidiebere Kalu, who worked as a security officer at Radiant Glory Academy in Umuichichi, was convicted on two counts of indecent assault and instilling fear in a minor following a prosecution initiated after the child’s family reported the incident to authorities.
In its judgment delivered on Wednesday, the court sentenced Kalu to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count. On the second count, he was handed another one-year prison term with the option of a ₦200,000 fine. The court ordered that both sentences run concurrently.
The conviction was welcomed by the Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) and the Abia State Chapter of the Child Protection Network (CPN), which described the verdict as a significant step in the fight against child abuse and a victory for justice.
According to the organisations, the alleged abuse occurred within the school premises before the survivor’s family reported the matter to the appropriate authorities. They said VIDI provided child protection support for the survivor, monitored the police investigation and followed the case through prosecution until judgment was delivered.
Executive Director of VIDI and Abia State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Ambassador Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, said the ruling sends a strong message that offences against children will not go unpunished.
“This judgement sends a clear message that child abuse has no place in our schools or communities and that perpetrators of offences against children can be held accountable through the justice system,” she said.
Nwosu also called for stronger child protection laws, more effective enforcement and sentencing frameworks that serve as a greater deterrent against crimes involving children. She commended the Nigeria Police Force, prosecutors, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction, while praising the survivor and her parents for their courage in pursuing justice.
She reaffirmed VIDI’s commitment to working with government agencies, schools, communities and development partners to strengthen child protection systems, support survivors of abuse and ensure that schools remain safe environments for every child.
