Lawyer gives police 72-hour ultimatum to arrest Igbinedion school bullies
2026-03-18 - 15:52
By Michael Akande, Benin City A viral video showing the brutal assault of a student at Igbinedion Education Centre, a private secondary school in Benin City, Edo State, has sparked public outrage, prompting senior lawyer Abdullahi Dania to issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Dania warned that failure to act within the deadline, which expires on March 19, 2026, would leave him with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to compel the police to fulfill their statutory duties. The disturbing footage shows senior students forcing four junior male students into an empty hall within the school’s boarding facility, ordering them to kneel before subjecting them to flogging, kicking, and repeatedly smashing them against the wall. One victim, unable to escape, was singled out and beaten despite pleading for mercy. While the school management has reportedly expelled the students involved, the public has demanded their prosecution as a deterrent. In a statement, Dania specifically called for the arrest of two students identified as Choice Osarumen Asoro and Dino Uyi, describing the attack as “brutal and inhumane.” He criticized the police for reportedly insisting on a formal complaint before investigating, noting that under Nigerian law, the state—not the victim—is the complainant in violent crimes such as assault. Dania also urged the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja to investigate systemic bullying and possible cult-related activities within the school, citing additional viral footage showing eight students attacking four others in a separate incident. He recommended immediate reforms by the school, including installation of CCTV cameras, creation of an independent investigative panel, and strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against bullying. The lawyer confirmed his willingness to prosecute the case pro bono in the public interest to ensure justice is served.