An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of a 17-year-old secondary school student, Ilesanmi Emmanuel, in a juvenile correctional facility following allegations that he struck a 13-year-old schoolgirl, Olamide Kadiri, with a metal belt, inflicting a severe eye injury during a school event.
The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Temitope Alphonso, came during the arraignment of the teenager alongside three adults associated with the management of Mooreb Idea Primary and College, the Akure-based school where the incident occurred.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the incident took place at approximately 7:41 a.m. on February 19, 2026, within the premises of the school located in Akure.
Prosecutors alleged that Emmanuel used a metal belt to strike Kadiri during a school-related activity, causing a serious injury to her right eye. The prosecution maintained that the act constituted an offence under Sections 515 and 335 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State (2021).
Legal observers described the alleged use of a metal belt as a potentially aggravating factor, as the object could be considered a weapon capable of causing grievous harm.
The court also heard that three adults connected with the school were charged alongside the student over alleged negligence and failure to adequately supervise students during the activity.
The defendants include Mathew Ologunleko, 70, the proprietor of the school, Ade Agunbiade, 40, a staff member, Anifowose Rebecca, 38, the class teacher
Prosecutors argued that their alleged failure to ensure proper supervision created the circumstances that enabled the assault to occur.
Counsel to the defendants, Israel Tiwo, urged the court to grant bail to the school proprietor and the two staff members, contending that they posed no flight risk and were prepared to cooperate fully with the judicial process.
After hearing submissions, Magistrate Alphonso admitted the three defendants to bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with one surety in like sum.
The magistrate, however, declined to grant similar relief to the teenage defendant, ordering that Emmanuel be remanded in a juvenile correctional facility pending further proceedings.
In a move underscoring the seriousness of the alleged injury, the court directed that weekly medical reports on the victim’s condition be submitted for review.
Legal analysts say such orders are often issued when a victim’s medical condition may influence the classification of the offence or severity of charges, particularly in cases involving potential permanent injury.
The matter has been adjourned to March 31, 2026, when the court is expected to receive updates on the victim’s medical status and continue preliminary proceedings.
