The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has arrested two Islamic clerics in connection with the alleged brutalisation and abuse of two minors in Owo, Ondo State.
The suspects, Adebodun Muideen (30) of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre and Oladejo Musiliu (35) of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre, both located in Owo, were taken into custody following allegations of severe physical assault on the children.
The arrests followed a report received on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, from a child-rights advocacy organisation, Kids & Teens Resource Centre, which was alerted by the class teacher of the victims. The teacher had observed multiple injuries on the children’s bodies and reported the matter for investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the parents of the affected children, who reside in Osun State, had entrusted them to the clerics to learn the Qur’an and other Islamic practices while they continued attending conventional schools.
Further findings indicated that one of the minors returned home with a Vivo Android mobile phone, which he was unable to satisfactorily explain how he obtained. During questioning, the second child was allegedly implicated. In what was described as an act of punishment, the clerics reportedly used a heated cutlass on the children’s backs and buttocks, inflicting deep and severe injuries.
The act constitutes a gross violation of the Child Rights Act as well as the Ondo State Child Protection Law.
The suspects have since made confessional statements and will be formally charged and prosecuted for offences bordering on assault and child abuse upon the conclusion of investigations.
The State Commandant, CC Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, has strongly condemned the incident and used the opportunity to caution religious institutions, parents, and guardians to adhere strictly to lawful and humane disciplinary measures. He warned that any form of violence against children is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law.
The Commandant also commended the Executive Director of Kids & Teens Resource Centre for the prompt intervention and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report all cases of child abuse to security agencies for immediate action.