The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended an Islamic cleric, Folorunsho Olaoti, for allegedly assaulting a 10 year old boy in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government. The disturbing incident of child abuse reportedly took place on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Eyewitnesses said the cleric, who is believed to be a relative of the boy’s late father, became enraged after hearing that the child had told his mother someone made insulting remarks about her. In anger, Olaoti allegedly subjected the young boy to brutal punishment, leaving him with multiple bruises and visible injuries.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, Mrs. Antonia Oshiniwe, said she received a distress call from one of the victim’s relatives and promptly contacted the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The suspect was subsequently arrested the next day.
“I got information from an anonymous source. When I arrived at the area, I saw that the child had been badly beaten. I immediately informed the civil defence officers, who then apprehended the cleric,” Oshiniwe explained.
She further revealed that the boy has been rescued and placed under state protection to guarantee his safety. The case is now under official investigation, and the cleric will be arraigned in court on charges of child abuse and assault.
Residents of Akerebiata have condemned the act, describing it as cruel and contrary to Islamic teachings. They also called on the government to ensure justice is done and to intensify campaigns on child protection laws across the state.
