A Lagos-based legal practitioner, Chief Abdullahi Tony Dania, has issued a strong demand for the immediate arrest and prosecution of two students accused of violently assaulting a fellow student at Igbinedion Secondary School, Benin city, Edo State.
In a formal letter addressed to the Nigeria Police Force, Dania called for urgent action against the alleged perpetrators, identified as Choice Osarumen Asoro and Dino Uyi, following the circulation of disturbing viral videos.
The footage reportedly shows a student being brutally attacked within the school’s boarding premises, sparking widespread public outrage.
Dania described the incident as deeply troubling and criticized the police for allegedly requesting a formal complaint before initiating an investigation.
According to him, such a requirement is unnecessary in cases involving violent crimes, emphasizing that the police have a statutory duty to act regardless of whether a victim or guardian files a complaint.
He stated further that under Nigeria’s juvenile justice system, the state retains the authority to prosecute criminal offenses involving minors, stressing that the absence of a formal complaint does not excuse inaction by law enforcement authorities.
Beyond the immediate case, Dania raised concerns about what he described as a possible pattern of systemic bullying and abuse within the institution. He cited testimonies from a former student alleging that similar incidents have occurred in the past, suggesting the issue may be more widespread than initially believed.
The lawyer also called for a broader investigation into the school, including allegations of cult-related activities among students and potential institutional complicity. While urging the police to escalate the matter to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja for a comprehensive probe.
Further more, Dania advised the school management to establish an independent panel of inquiry, review past incidents, and implement stricter anti-bullying measures, including surveillance systems and a zero-tolerance policy.
He warned that failure by the police to act within 72 hours could result in legal proceedings to compel enforcement of their duties.
