Rivers monarch denies allegations of virginity testing at local school

Allegations and Denial

On 25 October 2026, the traditional ruler of the Taabaa community in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Mene Nule, publicly denied accusations that he had organised virginity tests for female pupils at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa. The monarch said the allegations were fabricated by individuals in the community who wished to tarnish his reputation.

The claims stem from a letter sent by the school’s vice‑principal, Bieh Gloria, to the State Ministry of Education on 12 October. The document, headed with a title detailing accusations of invasion, farm takeover, harm, assault, and the dehumanization of a female virgin student at Government Comprehensive High School in Taabaa by His Royal Highness Mene M.S.K Nule and his subordinates, claimed that over the previous seven years, the ruler and his advisory group had been accessing the campus to pick out girls and gather information for a pre-emptive chastity examination. The letter further claimed that the tests were linked to the award of scholarships and two 60‑leaf exercise books.

Background

The Department of Education replied to the correspondence on 22 October, confirming that it had initiated a probe into allegations that girls were being chosen for compulsory tests of their virginity. The ministry’s statement, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, condemned the alleged exercise and noted that the individuals involved were said to be members of a traditional institution in the community.

According to the ministry’s Facebook post, the alleged selection of students took place on 17 September 2026. The event reportedly triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students. The ministry highlighted concerns about the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of the children involved.

Mene Nule, when contacted, expressed worry that his intentions for the school were being misinterpreted. He explained that he had backed the institution since 2004, during his time as an undergraduate, and noted that he implemented a system for checking the chastity of students in 2020 following complaints about educators sexually abusing girls. He claimed that he and his team visited the school and that teachers always accompanied them.

Why it matters

The allegations touch on serious issues of student safety, privacy and the role of traditional authorities in educational settings. The Ministry of Education’s investigation underscores the seriousness with which the state is treating the claims, and the incident has already sparked student protests. The situation also raises questions about the influence of local rulers on school governance and the protection of students’ rights.

What happens next

The Ministry of Education has opened an investigation into the alleged forced virginity testing. No further dates or actions have been announced in the sources provided.