An Abuja High Court has adjourned the defamation suit filed by Premiere Academy against child rights advocate Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe to November 12, 2024.
The school is seeking N500 million in damages and an order to stop Dr. Ughegbe from making public statements about the alleged rape and death of 14-year-old Keren-Happuch Akpagher, a boarding student at the school.
Dr. Ughegbe expressed confidence in the judicial process, describing the defamation suit as “an arm-twisting tactic” by Premiere Academy. He questioned the school’s motive, stating that referring to them as “prime suspects” in Keren’s alleged rape and death at the Nigerian Bar Association 2021 Law Week was not defamatory.
Keren-Happuch Akpagher died on June 22, 2021, due to complications from an alleged rape. A condom was left inside her, infecting her with sepsis, which spiked her blood sugar levels and compromised her immunity. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice for Keren.
The House of Representatives had ordered a DNA test for all male staff at Premiere Academy and resolved to conduct a public hearing, but it was never held. Dr. Ughegbe remains resolute in his pursuit of justice, advocating for the school to be held accountable for Keren’s death.
