Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested Dorcas Asije and four others for allegedly orchestrating an assault on Alexander Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development Centre, Awule, Akure.

The arrest follows an incident where Rotifa was reportedly beaten by thugs allegedly hired by Asije after he prevented her son, Wisdom Elisha, from cheating during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to police reports, the confrontation erupted after Rotifa confiscated an android phone from Asije's son while in the examination hall. The mother, apparently enraged by this action, allegedly organized the attack on the school official.

Police Confirm Arrests

Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended following direct orders from the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi.

"Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) led a tactical team to ensure their swift arrest," Ayanlade stated.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Government Intervention

The Ondo State government had earlier expressed concern over the incident, promising to take action against those responsible. Authorities have also made arrangements to ensure the safety of staff and students at the school for the remaining WASSCE papers.

This incident highlights growing concerns about examination malpractice and violence against school officials in Nigeria, particularly during national examinations like WASSCE.

Education stakeholders have repeatedly called for stricter measures to curb examination fraud and protect school authorities who enforce examination rules.