Ondo Police Arrest Five Over Brutal Assault On Vice Principal For Preventing Exam Cheating.
The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended five suspects, including a woman named Dorcas Asije, for allegedly orchestrating a violent attack on Alexander Rotifa, the Vice Principal (Academics) of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure. The assault stemmed from Rotifa’s enforcement of exam regulations during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), where he confiscated an Android phone from a Senior Secondary 3 student, Wisdom Elisha, caught attempting to cheat on 26 May.
According to a preliminary report by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, compiled by Director of Schools Dare Obajulaye, the incident escalated when Asije, the student’s mother, confronted the school management on Thursday, 29 May, demanding the return of the seized phone. The school’s proprietor ordered the phone’s return to de-escalate tensions, but the situation worsened. The student’s brother, an alumnus, harassed and threatened Rotifa, vowing to “deal with him.” Later that day, after school hours, suspected thugs allegedly hired by Asije ambushed a police van escorting Rotifa, dragged him out, and beat him severely, leaving him hospitalised. Rotifa has since been discharged but remains too fearful to return home due to ongoing threats.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrests on Monday, stating that Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi ordered the immediate deployment of a tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to apprehend the suspects, including Asije and four accomplices. “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” Ayanlade said, assuring residents that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are ensuring the safety of the school’s staff and students for the remaining WASSCE papers.
The Ondo State Ministry of Education, through Administrative Secretary Akindele Ige, condemned the incident, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy for hooliganism and exam malpractice. “Using handsets or any materials to aid cheating is prohibited in schools across the state,” Ige stated, adding that an inquiry is underway to ensure justice. The ministry is also implementing measures to protect staff and students during the ongoing exams.
Public reaction on X has been one of outrage, with users expressing dismay over the attack and praising Rotifa’s commitment to upholding academic integrity. Some called for stricter penalties to deter such acts, reflecting broader concerns about rising exam malpractice in the WASSCE.
The arrests mark a swift response to a shocking incident that has sparked national debate about parental conduct and the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. As investigations continue, authorities are urging calm and vigilance to prevent further disruptions.
