The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of five individuals in connection with the assault on Mr. Alexandra Rotifa, Vice Principal of Complete Child Development Centre, Akure. The incident occurred after Mr. Rotifa prevented a student from cheating during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Among those arrested is the student’s mother, Mrs. Dorcas Asije, who allegedly hired thugs to attack the vice principal.
Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, released a statement in Akure confirming the arrests. He explained that preliminary investigations directly linked the suspects to the attack.
“In response to the incident, and following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, a tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) apprehended Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four others,” Ayanlade stated.
He added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The police also urged the public to remain law-abiding and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has launched its own investigation into the matter and has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward examination malpractice and violence in schools.
Dr. Akindele Ige, Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, visited the school with a delegation from the ministry to assess the situation. He condemned the incident and emphasized that the government will take appropriate legal action.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Media, Olaoluwa Meshack, Dr. Ige stated:
“The state government strongly condemns this act. We will not tolerate examination malpractice or hooliganism under any circumstances.”
He also reiterated the ban on mobile phones and other materials that could aid cheating during both internal and external examinations in schools across the state.
Dr. Ige emphasized that the ministry has strict guidelines against exam malpractice and will enforce them against any students, staff, or schools found in violation—whether public or private.
