The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has taken two Islamic clerics into custody in Owo, Ondo State, after they were accused of torturing and abusing two boys placed under their supervision.
Daniel Aidamenbor, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State command, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He identified the suspects as Adebodun Muideen, aged thirty, of Al Balaagul Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, aged thirty five, of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre. Their arrest followed a complaint lodged by the Kids and Teens Resource Centre, a child rights group.
According to the statement, the case came to light when a class teacher observed multiple injuries on the minors and promptly alerted the advocacy organisation. Investigators established that the children had been sent from Osun State to Owo to study the Qur an while also attending regular school.
The incident reportedly began when one of the boys returned from school with an Android phone and could not account for how he obtained it. During enquiries, his classmate was mentioned, and the clerics allegedly resorted to severe physical punishment, leaving both children with significant injuries.
Aidamenbor said the actions amounted to a clear breach of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law. He added that the suspects had already confessed during questioning and would be arraigned in court on charges related to assault and child abuse.
He cautioned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against subjecting children to unlawful discipline, noting that any form of violence against minors is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The NSCDC spokesperson praised the swift intervention of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre and encouraged the public to report any suspected case of child abuse to the authorities without delay.
