The Borno State Police Command on Monday announced the arrest of 30-year-old Bukar Modu for physically assaulting a 10-year-old boy identified as Bashir Babaji, over his absence from school.
Babaji is a student of an Almajiri school located in the Bulabulin Alajeri area, along Baga Road in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, March 16, 2025, resurfaced on social media platforms and has since drawn widespread criticism.
In the video seen by THE WHISTLER, Babaji was seated shirtless on the floor while his teacher, Modu, dressed in a green jalabiya and white cap, whipped him.
Despite Babaji’s pleas for mercy, another minor was seen pouring water and sand on his body as Modu continued beating him with a cane.
Confirming the teacher’s arrest to THE WHISTLER, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said the suspect was picked up on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Daso further told THE WHISTLER that efforts are ongoing to arrest the accomplices of the school teacher.
“The primary culprit is in our custody, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the person who made the video and the one pouring him water.
“It is a good thing that videos like this are surfacing and will serve as a deterrent to others,” Daso said.
When asked about the victim, Daso confirmed that the child is in good health and is receiving medical attention.
“This happened almost a month ago. The child is receiving checkups and has since been returned to his parents.”
The command had earlier urged citizens to refrain from making inflammatory or disruptive comments that could incite unrest or interfere with the ongoing investigation.
“On Saturday, 16th March 2025, at about 1300HRS, one Bukar Modu was recorded physically assaulting a 10-year-old boy identified as Bashir Babaji.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the child, who is his student, was allegedly punished for absconding from class.
“The video which recently resurfaced and has been widely circulated online, sparked outrage and public concern.
“Upon receipt of the video, the Command swiftly initiated action to identify and apprehend the suspects.
“With the support of vigilant community members and operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CTF), the suspect was successfully apprehended.
“The victim has since been taken to hospital for medical examination and evaluation while the suspect is in custody,” read a statement by the command.
It added that it “remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring the safety and welfare of all children in the state.”