Teacher Mrs. Njideka Imoka arrested for flogging pupil to death

The police in Anambra State on Wednesday arrested Mrs. Njideka Imoka, the teacher that allegedly flogged a pupil, Chidimma Ukachukwu, to death at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka.

The police also arrested the school’s principal, Mrs. Phil Odenigbo, who happened to be the wife of the

immediate-past secretary to the state government, Mr. Paul Odenigbo.

Chidimma was said to have collapsed after being flogged by the teacher for failing to do her assignment.

She was rushed to the Catholic church-owned Regina Caeli Hospital, Awka, where she was confirmed dead.

According to source, following the intervention of Governor Peter Obi and the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, owners of the school, the principal and the teacher had been released.

It was learnt that efforts were being made by the church and the government to ensure that the matter was amicably resolved.

When contacted to explain the governor’s role in the matter, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, promised to call back. He did not return calls to his line afterwards.

It was learnt that the family, the school and the church did not report the incident to the police. However, the suspects were arrested after the matter was reported in the media on Wednesday.

A doctor’s report obtained from the hospital where the girl died said the deceased was brought in alive.

Also the report said that Chidimma’s family has said they are not interested in pursuing the matter because they did not suspect any foul play.

In a sworn affidavit submitted to the police in Awka on Wednesday, the mother of the deceased, Mrs. Ukachukwu, said the family was not blaming anyone for their daughter’s death.

The suspect, the principal, her husband, a reverend father, Chidimma’s mother were seen at at the Central Police Station, Awka on Wednesday.

The school, which was closed down after the incident, was still deserted when our correspondent visited on Wednesday.

But the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Uju Okeke, had said the school was not closed because of the incident but that the school was on a mid-term break.

A reverend sister that was found on the premises declined to make comments on the matter.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of NANS has sent a delegation led by its Deputy Senate President, Mr. Nwachukwu Okpalaoka, to Awka to investigate the matter.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Raphael Uzoigwe, confirmed that the girl’s family had written to say they did not suspect any foul play in the matter.

He said the police would still make their position known when investigations were concluded.

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