Deeper Life opens up on molestation in Uyo school

The authorities of the Deeper Life Bible Church, owners of the Deeper Life High School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a young student was said to have been assaulted and sexually molested, says it will not condone nor cover up any immoral acts in any of its schools.

The ministry decided to come out with its position following a barrage of attacks it has received from Nigerians since the scandal broke out and released a statement on Wednesday, to denounce the fact that it is shielding the culprits in the case.

In a message by the Deeper Life Education Secretary, Thelma Mailaka, the ministry said the “school stands on its core value of integrity and uprightness and as such, would not cover up any untoward act under any guise.”

Mailaka maintained that the ministry has set up a probe panel and the panel would be transparent and justice would be served at the end of the day, no matter whose ox is gored.

She also commended the Akwa Ibom State government for ordering an investigation into the issue in a bid to ensure neutrality and a dispassionate outcome.

She insisted that the school authorities had ensured that the staff members and students allegedly fingered in the act appeared before the probe panel to give evidences, while the mental and physical health of the victim was also being accessed to determine what he has been passing through.

“This is a further statement to the first we shared with discerning observers on the allegation of molestation of a JS1 student, Don Davies, at our Uyo campus, Akwa Ibom State.

“First and foremost, permit me to remind you that the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has taken over the investigation of the matter to ensure neutrality and a dispassionate outcome.

“We appreciate the concerted efforts of everyone who has shown support in the investigation thus far.

“We reiterate that we will be transparent and that justice will not only be served, it will be seen by all that it has been served.

“Recall that we earlier suspended the principal of the affected campus and we initiated an investigation into the matter. We decided to restrain ourselves from further comment after the first update because we thought it is subjudice to comment on a matter under investigation.

“However considering the potential impact of this issue, especially what we stand for, we are compelled to provide an early update before the final report is released by the government.

Read also: Akwa Ibom clears air on assaulted student of Deeper Life school

“The panel has sat and we presented staff members and students of our school who have been mentioned in this particular case all through the period of investigation. We believe that the government will share the final report once investigation is concluded.

“Secondly, as a parent myself, I do care about the mental and physical health of Don Davies who is at the center of this issue. Despite the intriguing underpinning, we will continue to show our love to him within the limit permitted by his parents.

”We have an unflinching confidence in our God to resolve the issue such that at the end of the day, the truth will ultimately prevail.

“Thirdly, I will like to let you know that the Police are also currently investigating this matter. And we have been invited to share our own side of the story.

“The detailed interrogation was however adjourned due to the holidays. We believe that a new date will be communicated as soon as possible by the Police authorities.

“Finally, we will like to reiterate that Deeper Life High School stands on a core value of integrity and uprightness and will not attempt to cover any immoral act under any guise.

”We enjoin the public to be on the lookout for the final report as will be released by the appropriate authority soon.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now