The father of a Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) student at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Mr. Elisha Imoukhuede, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over allegations that his son was unfairly accused of cheating during the ongoing West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The petition also raises concerns about police involvement and alleged defamation of the student’s character.
Incident Overview: Alleged Cheating and Escalation
According to reports on June 4,2025 from PUNCH, the incident unfolded when the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Alexander Rotifa, allegedly caught the student cheating using an Android phone during the examination.
The situation escalated dramatically when the student’s mother reportedly summoned thugs who attacked the vice principal in retaliation.
Following the altercation, the Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest of at least five individuals, including the student’s mother, for their alleged roles in the attack on the vice principal.
The Father’s Petition: Allegations of Defamation and Police Misconduct
In a petition obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, Mr. Imoukhuede vehemently denied the cheating allegations against his son and accused both the school authorities and the police of defaming the minor’s character.
He called for a thorough investigation into the entire episode, highlighting what he described as unlawful and intimidating actions by school staff and police officers.
The petition detailed the sequence of events leading to the crisis:
- On May 28, 2025, the student reportedly brought his mother’s mobile phone to school. The phone, used for her business operations, was confiscated by a teacher for allegedly violating school rules.
- The following day, May 29, Imoukhuede instructed his elder son to retrieve the phone from the school. However, the school staff refused, citing that the elder son was not a legal guardian.
- Subsequently, the student’s mother visited the school to reclaim the phone, explaining its importance for her business. Despite her explanation, the school staff initially refused to return the device until other parents intervened, urging the school to respect her rights.
Alarming Incident Involving the Vice Principal and Police
The petition further alleges a disturbing incident that occurred later that evening at around 8:30 PM.
The vice principal, accompanied by unidentified men, allegedly came to the family’s neighborhood and forcefully took a 13-year-old nephew of Mr. Imoukhuede who is a student at FUTA Secondary School and was running errands for his mother from the roadside into a vehicle.
Fearing a kidnapping, neighbors raised an alarm as the child pleaded to call his mother.
The child’s mother joined the pursuit to rescue him.
During the ensuing commotion, the vice principal reportedly sustained a minor injury. Mr. Imoukhuede stated that video evidence of the entire encounter exists.
Allegations of Defamation and Emotional Trauma
Mr. Imoukhuede accused the school of issuing false and malicious statements accusing his son of planning to cheat during the examinations.
He described these communications as serious defamation that has caused his son significant emotional trauma.
The petition reads in part:
“The school has since issued false and malicious communications, widely circulated, and accusing my son of planning to cheat in his examinations.
This is a serious defamation of the character and reputation of a minor and has caused him emotional trauma.”
Calls for Justice and Police Accountability
In addition to demanding a full investigation into the conduct of the vice principal and school staff, Mr. Imoukhuede called for a disciplinary and legal review of the actions of the police officers from Okuta Elerinla Police Station, who he alleges were used to intimidate and harass his family.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the entire incident.
- Review the conduct of the involved police officers and school authorities.
- Take immediate action to protect his son’s reputation and welfare from further defamation or victimization.
- Impose sanctions on all parties found culpable in the unlawful acts.
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
This incident has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and community members about the handling of examination misconduct allegations and the involvement of law enforcement in school disputes.
The use of force and intimidation tactics, especially involving minors, has raised questions about the appropriate protocols for managing such sensitive situations.
The case also highlights the need for clear communication channels between schools and families, and the importance of safeguarding students’ rights during disciplinary processes.
As the petition reaches the office of the Inspector General of Police, all eyes are on the response of the authorities and the outcome of the investigation.
The family’s demand for justice and accountability underscores the delicate balance between maintaining examination integrity and protecting the rights and dignity of students.
This unfolding saga serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions, law enforcement, and families in navigating disciplinary issues within Nigeria’s academic system.
The resolution of this matter will likely set important precedents for handling similar cases in the future.
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