‘Child molestation’: Court grants N500,000 bail to Deeper Life school principal

The magistrate court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, has granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each to Ndidi Solomon, the suspended principal of Deeper Life High School in the state, and six others earlier arrested.

Solomon was arraigned before the court on Thursday alongside Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna and two minors over alleged molestation of an 11-year-old student of the school.

The seven accused persons are standing trial on a four-count bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit and indecent treatment of boys under 14, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 556 of the criminal code cap 38 vol 2 laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.

But when the case was read before the court, Fidelis Igwe, counsel to the accused, pleaded for bail, arguing that the alleged offence is bailable.

The magistrate in charge of the court thereafter okayed bail for the accused in the sum of N500,000 each and ordered the release of the two minors to their parents.

The court then fixed January 20 for accelerated hearing of the case.

The presiding magistrate also enjoined parties involved in the case to steer clear of media utterances likely to affect the court process.

Commenting on the development, David Okokon, counsel to the petitioner, reiterated his commitment to ensure justice prevails in the case.

TheCable Lifestyle had earlier reported how Deborah Okezie, mother of the little boy, claimed her son was deprived of the food she had paid for and molested by the senior students after the principal moved him to their dormitory for urinating on his bed.