Two Islamic Clerics Arrested for Alleged Abûse of Quranic Students in Ondo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has detained two Islamic clerics for the alleged physical abuse of two underage students in their care.

According to a statement by the state’s NSCDC spokesperson, Daniel Aidamenbor, the suspects are Adebodun Muideen, 30, of the Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, 35, of the Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre. Their arrest on Thursday followed a report from the child rights organisation, Kids and Teens Resource Centre.

The case emerged on Wednesday after a teacher observed severe injuries on the boys and notified the advocacy group. An investigation revealed the children, whose parents reside in Osun State, had been sent to Owo for combined Quranic and conventional education.

The incident reportedly began when one of the boys returned home with a Vivo Android phone he could not properly account for. During interrogation, the second boy was implicated, prompting the clerics to punish both minors. The NSCDC stated the suspects used a heated cutlass to inflict deep wounds on the boys’ backs and buttocks.

Aidamenbor condemned the act as a clear breach of the Child Rights Act and Ondo State’s child protection laws. He confirmed the suspects have confessed and will be prosecuted for assault and child abuse.

The spokesperson issued a warning to religious centres, parents, and guardians against administering illegal punishment, reiterating that violence against children is a criminal offence in Nigeria.

The NSCDC also commended the Kids and Teens Resource Centre for its prompt action and urged the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate security agencies.