A trial court in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday ordered the remand in custody of Elizabeth Joseph, the mother of Joshua Joseph, an SS3 student at Toyan High School, Ere, who allegedly he hired thugs to beat up his son’s teacher.
Ms. Joseph and her husband, Oyedele, were charged with assault resulting in injury, malicious damage, and conduct likely to disturb the public peace.
BO Abdul Salam, the magistrate, after hearing the charges, agreed that the case is a bailable offence, but ruled that the suspects should be held in a correctional facility.
The judge expressed disappointment at the attitude of parents who follow their pupils to school to attack teachers for disciplining their children.
The teacher sent Mr. Joseph out of class to get a haircut, but on his return, he returned to his mother and bullies and allegedly beat up the teacher.
This happened after the State Government ordered parents to sign a pledge on behalf of their wards, in view of the incessant attacks on teachers and unnecessary clashes between them in groups.
In her ruling, the Magistrate said: “Why do these children attack their teachers? If drastic measures are not taken, these are the kind of young people who will become a threat not only to their teachers, but also to police and court officials if they get a sentence they are not happy with.
“If my parents had followed me to school to fight my teachers, would I be on this bench today?”
The magistrate ordered that the suspects be held at Abeokuta and Ilaro Correctional Home, while the student and other thugs currently at large are brought forward at the next court session.
The case was adjourned until February 15.