NSCDC arrests two Islamic clerics over alleged ab¥se of Quranic students in Ondo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two Islamic clerics in Owo, Ondo State, over the alleged physical ab¥se of two minors under their care.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSCDC spokesperson in the state, Daniel Aidamenbor, said the suspects, Adebodun Muideen, 30, of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, 35, of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre, were apprehended following a report from the Kids and Teens Resource Centre.
According to Aidamenbor, the case came to light on Wednesday after a class teacher noticed multiple inj¥ries on the boys and alerted the child-rights advocacy group.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, whose parents live in Osun State, had been sent to Owo for Qur’anic and conventional education.
Trouble reportedly began when one of the boys returned home with a Vivo Android phone and could not explain how he got it.
During questioning, the second boy was allegedly implicated, leading the clerics to p¥nish both minors. The NSCDC said the suspects used a heated cutlass on the boys’ backs and buttocks, leaving deep wo¥nds.
Describing the act as a clear violation of the Child Rights Act and Ondo State Child Protection Law, Aidamenbor said the suspects have confessed and will be charged to court for a§§ault and child ab¥se.
He warned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against unlawful p¥nishment, stressing that v+olence against children is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The NSCDC also praised the swift intervention of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre and urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child ab¥se to security agencies.
