The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Islamic cleric, identified simply as Kadiri, in connection with an alleged case involving a young girl in the Babasanya-Araka area of Ede, Osun State.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly led to a public disturbance, as some residents expressed outrage and attempted to confront the suspect before security personnel intervened.
According to the command spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, officers responded swiftly after receiving a report, and the suspect was handed over by local security operatives from the Amotekun Corps.
“The matter was reported, and we deployed our men to the scene. The Amotekun operatives who apprehended the individual handed him over to the police. He is now in our custody.
The Divisional Police Office is handling preliminary investigations, after which the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),” Ojelabi said.
Amotekun spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, added that the suspect serves as an Imam and also runs an Arabic school in the community.
He confirmed that the case has been transferred to the police for full investigation.
A community resident, who asked not to be named, said the girl was reported missing for several hours before being found.
Her condition raised concern, prompting immediate medical attention and further inquiry.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from members of the community, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation.