Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights activist, has given a 48-hour ultimatum to Lead British International School in Abuja, demanding strict sanctions against students involved in the bullying of Namtira Bwala.
Adeyanju, representing his law firm, Adeyanju and Partners, has called on the school to impose the most severe penalties available in the student handbook on those who have engaged in bullying behavior, describing them as a ‘cult of bullies’ within the school. Failure to comply may result in legal action.
A video showing Bwala being physically bullied and assaulted by her classmate, Maryam Hassan, went viral on social media platforms.
In the video, Namtira is seen being slapped and harassed by Maryam, who repeatedly asks, “Who broke my heart?”
Another footage shows the female student being interrogated and slapped multiple times by her peer.
In a letter dated April 23, 2024, addressed to the school’s head and signed by Marvin Omorogbe, the law firm expressed disappointment that such mistreatment could occur under the school’s supervision.
Titled “Demand for Immediate Investigation and Severe Sanctions Against Miss Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya and Nine Other Students of Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja, for Assault, Battery and Bullying,” the letter was also copied to the FCT Police Commissioner.
The law firm expressed its concern in the letter, stating, “Unfortunately, instead of taking decisive action by imposing strict penalties on the student bullies, the school has issued a weak statement that does not acknowledge the gravity of the situation.”
Representing Namtira Bwala as their client, the firm emphasized the need for immediate investigation and severe sanctions against the alleged bullies, including Maryam Hassan and Faliya, and nine other students identified as part of the group responsible for the bullying incidents.
If the school fails to take appropriate action within 48 hours of receiving the letter, legal measures against Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, will be pursued as per the client’s instructions.