The Ogun State Police Command has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an 18-year-old student, Arijo Monday, who passed away following a disciplinary action at Obada Secondary School in Imeko. Azadjo Emmanuel Elijah, a Bachelor of Arts graduate and SS2 Arts class teacher at the school has also been taken into custody as part of ongoing inquiries.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola anipr, revealed that the preliminary investigation showed that the incident began on October 15, 2024, when Mrs. Tamirat Onaolapo, the school principal, addressed students at the assembly.
During her address, she announced the replacement of waste bins within the school compound. Following this, an unidentified student reportedly made an offhand comment, saying, “Is it not our money that was used to buy the waste bin?” The principal, offended by the remark, concluded her address and returned to her office.
In response, two teachers administered a general punishment to 129 students, giving each one stroke on each palm and requiring them to complete a brief round of frog jumps.
After the punishment, students were instructed to recover before returning to class. Arijo Monday, however, reportedly struggled to stand after completing the exercise and was taken to the staff room for first aid. Though he felt slightly better afterward and went home, his condition worsened in the following days, leading his family to take him to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC in Abeokuta, where he tragically passed away roughly ten days later.
The Statement assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, with the case and the class teacher transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID for further scrutiny. It said authorities are exploring the possibility that an underlying health condition may have been exacerbated by the physical exertion from the punishment.
“We urge the public to stay calm as we work to determine the exact cause of death,” said SP Odutola. “The impression that the teacher directly caused the student’s death is incorrect; however, we will examine all factors that may have contributed to this unfortunate incident.” Further updates are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses.