The tragic electrocution of a student during inter-house sports: an ongoing investigation
This week the trial of Chrisland School and four others for manslaughter resumed, with the testimony of Ms Blessing Adeniran. The prosecution accuses these five individuals of being responsible for the death of a 12-year-old student, which occurred on February 9, 2023 during inter-house sports at the Chrisland school at the Agege stadium, in the state of Lagos.
During her interrogation, Ms. Adeniran said she was not aware of any discussions in which her daughter told a classmate that she “fell out in her sleep” on February 2, 2023. She explained that her daughter’s absence from school that day was due to back and lower back pain related to her period.
The trial is being held before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Ikeja High Court. Besides the school, the accused are Ademoye Adewale (a cotton candy seller), Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao (school principal) and Victoria Nwatu.
The trial will resume on January 26 for the continuation of the cross-examination of Ms Adeniran.
This affair aroused great emotion in the school community and among the population. Parents are demanding answers about the safety measures taken during this sporting event, and preventive measures to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
It is essential that schools ensure the safety of their students during all organized activities, by implementing rigorous safety protocols and carrying out regular inspections of electrical equipment used on sports fields.
We will closely monitor the development of this case and hope that justice will be served for the family of the young victim.