Mallam Nura, a Quranic teacher in Suleja, Niger State, is currently in police custody in Minna. This action was taken under the directive of the Niger State Child’s Right Agency, as Mallam Nura is accused of subjecting his pupil to severe injuries on the back through corporal punishment using a whip.

The 11-year-old pupil, Isah Mu’azu, whose parents reportedly reside in the Kawo Area of Kaduna State, was allegedly flogged by his teacher for his inability to memorize a portion of the Qur’an which the teacher had assigned to him.

The victim was said to have been brought to Suleja for Quranic education alongside his brother.

The Acting Director of the Niger State Child’s Right Agency, Suleiman Shehu, told City & Crime that the teacher had been arrested and handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the police in the state for further investigation while the father had equally been invited to Minna.

He said the child had been taken to hospital for attention, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted at the end of investigation.

Shehu said the agency had handled more than 10 cases of similar nature in recent times where children were subjected to harsh treatment, adding that five of the cases have been prosecuted