Proprietress, NSCDC trade blames over disruption of NECO exams

The Proprietress of Leaders Academy in Esan Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State, Mrs. Susana Iseghohimben, has accused officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of disrupting the  ongoing National Examination Council (NECO).

Mrs. Iseghohimben said two teachers and some students were manhandled by the NSCDC officials who stormed the school unannounced.

Speaking with reporters in Benin City, Mrs Iseghohimben said she was arrested alongside her husband for attempting to stop what she termed unruly behavior of the NSCDC officials.

She said the incident occurred when the pupils were writing Biology Practicals.

According to her, “A man in mufti drove into the school premises in a Toyota Camry Car and went into the hall. He began to rearrange the students who were already seated in two’s writing their exams peacefully.

“This resulted to chaos in the hall and the resultant noise attracted my attention. On getting to the hall, I requested the man to identify himself but the man responded by saying the principal has no right to question his action.

“The man later identified himself as Mr. Odigie Usigbe, a civil defence officer. I called the Chief Inspector of Education to report the development but he refused to talk to the CIE.

“He drove out of the school and later brought his armed colleagues who stormed the school. They beat up some of the students and got us arrested.”

She alleged that she was asked to pay N100,000 to secure their release.

Invigilator of the exam, Mr. Emma Owobu, also a teacher in the school, said he escaped from the scene but the NSCDC officials came to his house and arrested him.

Reacting, Public Relations Officer of Edo State Command of NSCDC, Efosa Ogbebor, denied that his men beat up the pupils or manhandled the proprietress.

Ogbebor said the NSCDC officials discovered that the school was engaged in exam malpractice and they arrested the proprietress.

He said investigation would soon be completed and the Corps would report the incident to NECO.