Ondo Court Remands Two Islamic Clerics for Alleged Brutalisation of Minors

 

A Magistrate Family Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of two Islamic clerics at the Olokuta Correctional Centre following allegations of inflicting severe bodily injuries on two minors entrusted to them for Islamic education.

The suspects, Adebodun Muideen (30), operator of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu (35), operator of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre, both in Owo, Ondo State, were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault and child abuse.

The case stems from a report by the child rights group, Kids and Teens Resource Centre, which prompted the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrest the clerics earlier this month. According to NSCDC investigations, the minors—boys sent from Osun State for Quranic studies—were allegedly subjected to brutal punishment.

Reports indicate that one of the boys returned with an unexplained Vivo Android phone, leading to questioning. When the second boy was implicated, the clerics reportedly used a heated cutlass on the victims' backs and buttocks, inflicting deep wounds. The suspects have confessed to the acts during interrogation.

NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, Daniel Aidamenbor, described the incident as a clear violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law. He emphasized that such acts of cruelty against children are unacceptable and that the suspects would face prosecution.

The court remanded the clerics pending further hearings, highlighting concerns over child welfare in informal educational settings. Child rights advocates have called for stricter oversight of Almajiri and Quranic schools to prevent similar abuses.

This development underscores ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children in religious and educational environments across Nigeria. The case continues to draw attention to the need for accountability and adherence to child protection laws.