A 42-year-old Islamic cleric, Folorunsho Olaoti, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old boy living under his care in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, reportedly stemmed from the cleric’s anger over claims that the boy had informed his mother about someone speaking ill of her. Witnesses said Olaoti, who is a relative of the boy’s late father, descended on the child with severe beatings, leaving him with visible injuries.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, Antonia Oshiniwe, said she received a distress call from the victim’s uncle and promptly alerted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“I was informed about the matter by an anonymous source. When I visited the area, I confirmed the incident and immediately reported it to the civil defence corps.
The child has been rescued and placed under government protection, while the suspect will be charged in court for child abuse,” Oshiniwe said.
She also advised parents to be cautious about entrusting their children to clerics or guardians who may subject them to abuse.
Confirming the arrest, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, Ayoola Michael, said the case was receiving full attention from the command.
“We have commenced a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served, and our findings will be made public once the process is concluded,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the rescued boy is receiving medical treatment while legal proceedings against the suspect are underway.