The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Oluwaseun Adewale, for allegedly repeatedly abusing a 12-year-old girl in Ilesa.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, noting that it followed a report made on November 16, 2025, at the “C” Division of the Nigeria Police in Ilesa.
According to the statement, the victim’s mother noticed signs of concern while washing her daughter’s clothing and questioned her.
The girl reportedly revealed that a neighbour had been exploiting her.
The police said the minor was taken to an approved medical facility, where an examination confirmed she had been subjected to abuse.
The case was then transferred to the Family and Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
The girl was also moved to a support centre for ongoing care, where it was discovered she was malnourished.
Investigators later found that the incident reported on November 16 was not the first, alleging that the abuse had been ongoing since July 2025.
The suspect was said to have taken advantage of the family’s vulnerable situation, as the victim’s widowed mother had no stable income.
Police added that the suspect allegedly gave the child small amounts of money after each encounter, which she used to buy food.
DSP Ojelabi stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the act and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children.
Gotan urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of abuse to law enforcement or relevant authorities, stressing that safeguarding children requires collective effort.
The suspect is expected to face charges once investigations are concluded.