Warri: CDHR Demands Probe Into Alleged Sexual Harassment At Federal Government College

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch, has called on the management of Federal Government College, Warri, to immediately investigate an allegation of sexual harassment involving a female student and a male student, following the expulsion of the female student and the controversy surrounding the incident.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Nosa Oveseey, said the school authorities should not allow the alleged misconduct of the expelled student’s parents to distract from investigating the underlying allegation of sexual harassment.

CDHR stressed that the safety and welfare of students must remain the primary responsibility of every school authority, adding that the allegation against the male student deserved a thorough and impartial investigation.

The human rights organisation, however, condemned the reported conduct of the female student’s parents, particularly the allegation that the mother gave her husband false information that she had been assaulted by school security personnel.

It noted that although parents could understandably react emotionally when confronted with distressing information involving their children, they were expected to respect constituted authorities and follow established procedures in addressing grievances rather than resorting to hostility.

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On the issue of justice, CDHR argued that if the school management had considered the parents’ conduct sufficient grounds to expel the female student, the male student whose alleged actions reportedly triggered the incident should also face appropriate investigation and disciplinary measures if found culpable.

It warned that selective justice could undermine confidence in the school’s disciplinary system and called for fairness in the handling of the matter.

Expressing concern over the increasing cases of rape, defilement and sexual harassment in schools, the organisation said allegations of such nature required immediate and decisive attention.

It warned that inappropriate sexual behaviour, if left unchecked, could escalate into more serious misconduct in adulthood, insisting that schools must remain safe environments for students and demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual misconduct.

Consequently, CDHR called on the school management to immediately investigate the sexual harassment allegation and apply appropriate sanctions where culpability was established.

It also demanded a review of the expulsion to ascertain whether due process was followed and ensure that the decision was neither punitive nor retaliatory.

The organisation further urged the school to strengthen its student protection policies and establish clear channels through which students and parents could report complaints without fear of intimidation or victimisation.

While urging parents to remain civil and follow established procedures when addressing grievances, CDHR called on school authorities to place the protection and welfare of children above institutional reputation.

“Justice must be fair, transparent, and seen to be done,” the organisation stated.