Bullied student sues Abuja school for N500m, demands public apology

The family of Namtira Bwala, a student of Lead British International School in Abuja who was recently bullied by her colleague, has filed a civil suit against the school.

Last month, videos surfaced on social media showing Namtira being slapped by Maryam, her colleague.

In the footage, Namtira was surrounded by students while Maryam was smacking her on the face.

The students were then heard making such comments as “Who broke my heart” and “I spoilt her relationship”.

The incident provoked criticism on social media, with some Nigerians demanding that the culprits be prosecuted.

The school management commenced an investigation into the matter while Maryam also apologised to Namtira for bullying her.

But in a recent development, Namtira’s family filed a lawsuit at the high court of the federal capital territory on May 9.

In the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/2341/24, the student is demanding a public apology that should be published on two national dailies from the school.

The family is also requesting for a sum of N500 million in general damages from the school for “failing in its obligation to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for their daughter”.

The law suit states that the school “failed to prevent the assault, inform her parent immediately and carry out an investigation until the video became viral on social media”.

“A declaration that the Defendant’s failure to prevent the assault, torment, emotional distress, pain and trauma suffered by the claimant while under the custody and supervision of the defendant amounts to negligent conduct on the part of the defendant,” the suit reads.

“A declaration that the defendant’s failure to immediately inform the claimant’s parents of the assault and emotional trauma suffered by the claimant while under the custody and supervision of the defendant amounts to negligent conduct on the part of the defendant.

“An order directing the Defendant to issue a public apology to the Claimant in two national daily newspapers.

“An order directing the Defendant to pay the Claimant the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as general damages for the Defendant’s breach of the duty of care it owes to the Claimant, and its negligent conduct in failing to prevent the assault, torment, emotional distress, pain, trauma and breach of privacy suffered by the Claimant while under the Defendant’s custody and supervision.

“Cost of this suit at N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira).

“An order directing the Defendant to pay the Claimant post judgment interest on the sum(s) awarded at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of the delivery of judgment until the judgment is fully and finally settled.

“Such orders or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”