Abia Court Convicts School Security Officer for Sexually Abusing 10-Year-Old Pupil

07th August, 2026 | Nigeria | Crime

A Family Court sitting at the Magistrate Court in Aba, Abia State, has convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old school security officer, Chidiebere Kalu, for sexually abusing a 10-year-old female pupil.

Kalu, who was attached to Radiant Glory Academy, Umuichichi, was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault and instilling fear in a minor following a prosecution initiated after the incident was reported by the child’s family.

In its judgment delivered on Wednesday, the court sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count and one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦200,000 fine on the second count. The court ordered that both sentences run concurrently.

Reacting to the judgment, the Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN), Abia State Chapter, described the conviction as a significant victory for child protection and the pursuit of justice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisations said the ruling reaffirmed every child’s right to safety, dignity and justice, noting that the case stemmed from incidents that allegedly occurred within the school premises before being reported to the appropriate authorities by the survivor’s family.

The Executive Director of VIDI and Abia State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, Ambassador Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, said the organisations provided child protection support for the survivor, monitored the police investigation and followed the case through prosecution until judgment was delivered.

She said the conviction sends a strong message that child abuse has no place in schools or communities and demonstrates that perpetrators of crimes against children can be held accountable through the justice system.

Nwosu also stressed the need to strengthen child protection laws, improve enforcement mechanisms and review sentencing frameworks to ensure that punishments for offences against children serve as effective deterrents.

She commended the Nigeria Police Force, the prosecution team, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction, while praising the courage of the child survivor and her parents for pursuing justice despite the challenges involved.

Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding children, Nwosu said VIDI would continue working with government agencies, schools, communities and development partners to prevent violence against children, support survivors and promote safer learning environments across the country.