A Lagos-based legal practitioner, Abdullahi Tony Dania, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of two students allegedly involved in the brutal assault of a fellow student at Igbinedion Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State.
Dania made the demand in a formal letter addressed to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), urging swift action against the suspects, identified as Choice Osarumen Asoro and Dino Uyi, following the circulation of disturbing viral videos capturing the incident.
The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, reportedly shows a student being violently attacked within the school’s boarding premises.
Reacting to the development, Dania criticised the police for allegedly insisting on a formal complaint before commencing an investigation.
He argued that such a requirement is unnecessary in cases involving violent crimes, stressing that the police have a statutory responsibility to act once credible evidence emerges.
He further noted that under Nigeria’s juvenile justice system, the state has the authority to prosecute criminal offences involving minors, regardless of whether a victim or guardian files a complaint.
Beyond the immediate incident, the lawyer raised concerns about what he described as a possible pattern of bullying and abuse within the institution.
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He cited testimonies from a former student who alleged similar occurrences in the past, suggesting the issue may be more widespread.
Dania also called for a comprehensive investigation into the school, including allegations of cult-related activities among students and possible institutional complicity.
He urged the police to escalate the matter to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja for a thorough probe.
In addition, he advised the school management to set up an independent panel of inquiry, review previous incidents, and implement stricter anti-bullying measures.
These, he said, should include the installation of surveillance systems and the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against violence.
The lawyer warned that failure by the police to act within 72 hours could lead to legal action aimed at compelling them to carry out their constitutional duties.
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