Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested two Islamic clerics in Owo, Ondo State, over the alleged abuse of two minors in their care.
The state command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Aidamenbor, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, identifying the suspects as Adebodun Muideen, 30, of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, 35, of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre.
According to the NSCDC, the arrests followed a report by the Kids and Teens Resource Centre, a child-rights advocacy group, after a teacher observed multiple injuries on the pupils and raised the alarm.
Preliminary findings showed that the boys, whose parents live in Osun State, had been sent to Owo for Qur’anic education alongside conventional schooling.
Aidamenbor said the incident reportedly began after one of the children returned with a mobile phone and could not clearly explain how he obtained it. The second boy was also questioned, after which the clerics allegedly subjected both children to severe punishment.
The NSCDC described the alleged actions as a violation of the Child Rights Act and Ondo State Child Protection Law.
“The suspects have confessed and will be charged to court for assault and child abuse,” the statement said.
The corps warned religious institutions, parents and guardians against the use of unlawful or violent disciplinary measures, stressing that any form of violence against children constitutes a criminal offence.
Aidamenbor also commended the child-rights group for promptly reporting the case and urged members of the public to notify security agencies of suspected cases of child abuse.
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