Court postpones trial ofschool owner and staff in case of two-year-old student's death in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has postponed the trial until 26 May 2026, allowing the owner of Wisdom Gate School and four senior staff members to enter their pleas in the case concerning the death of two‑year‑old pupil Winnie Akekue.

All defendants are employed at the Eligbolo campus of Wisdom Gate School in Port Harcourt and are charged with negligence related to the toddler’s death, which is said to have taken place on the school grounds.

During the hearing resumed on Tuesday, the defendants’ counsel told the court that the prosecution, namely the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, had not yet served the required court documents on his clients.

He therefore sought an adjournment to allow proper service of those documents.

After considering the request, trial judge Justice Monima Danagogo ordered the prosecution to ensure that all pertinent court processes be duly served on the defence before the next scheduled date.

Justice Danagogo also ruled that the administrative bail previously granted to the accused by the Nigeria Police shall remain in force.

The court further directed that the surety posted for the defendants must continue to appear in court until the plea proceedings are concluded.

Winnie Akekue is reported to have died in March at the school’s Eligbolo campus after a shelf is alleged to have collapsed onto her.

The Rivers State Government temporarily closed the school while the investigation remains ongoing.