Teacher Defiles 14 Pupils, Infects Some with HIV/AIDS Virus

Laleye Dipo in Minna

A primary school teacher in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling 14 pupils in his school.

The teacher, Usman Galadima, of Central Primary School Karabonde in New Bussa, was also said to have infected some female pupils of the school with the dreaded HIV/ AIDs virus.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Niger State Police Command, DSP. Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and told journalists that the suspect had been apprehended and brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the force.

“The suspect is with the command over allegations of sexual assault in his school,” Abiodun said, adding that the teacher had initially escaped arrest before being caught and brought to Minna.

“Investigation into the case has begun,” the police spokesman said, pointing out that on the completion of the investigation he will be charged to court.

In the meantime, the State Commissioner for Education, Ms. Hannatu Jibrin Salihu, is already heading a committee set up by the state government to investigate the authenticity of the claim.

Other members of the committee are: the Director Child Rights Protection Agency; the State Commissioner for Women Affairs; representative of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and an official of the Ministry of Health among others.

The committee, which has one week within which to complete the assignment, has already arrived New Bussa for the commencement of the investigation.

A top official of the SUBEB has disclosed on condition of anonymity that the teacher has been placed on suspension pending the completion of investigation into his case.