Kwara Islamic cleric arrested child abuse
An Islamic cleric in Ilorin, Kwara State has been arrested for allegedly subjecting a 10-year-old boy to physical assault. The cleric, identified as Folorunsho Olaoti, is reported to have beaten the child after accusing him of informing the child’s mother that someone had spoken ill of her.
The incident occurred in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government Area. According to the account, the boy was under the care of Olaoti, who happens to be a relative of the child’s late father. When the boy allegedly mentioned the mother’s name in relation to gossip, the cleric became enraged and reportedly administered a severe beating that left visible injuries on the child.
On receiving notification of the assault, the state’s Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was alerted and moved quickly to rescue the child. The boy has since been placed under government protection and is receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, Olaoti is expected to face charges of child abuse in court.
The Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State NSCDC, Ayoola Michael, affirmed that a full investigation has been launched and the command is committed to ensuring that justice is served. He said findings will be made public once the legal process advances.
Child-rights advocates in the state have used the incident to reiterate warnings to parents and guardians about leaving children under the care of third parties without verifying the character and background of such caregivers. The event has added to concerns about the vulnerability of children under religious tutelage or stays with non-parents in certain domestic setups.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the vulnerability of the victim, the case is being closely watched by civil society groups who stress that perpetrators of child-abuse must face the full force of the law if public confidence in child welfare is to be maintained.
