NSCDC Arrests Two Clerics Over Alleged Abuse of Minors in Ondo
Akure, Feb. 5, 2026
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has arrested two Islamic clerics in Owo over alleged physical abuse of two minors, following a complaint lodged by a child rights advocacy organisation.
The suspects, identified as Adebodun Muideen (30), of Al-balaagul-mubeen Arabic & Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu (35), of Abdullah Arabic & Islamic Centre, were taken into custody after reports that two young boys under their care were brutally assaulted.
According to the NSCDC, the incident came to light on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after the Kids and Teen Resource Centre alerted security operatives to suspected child abuse. The organisation reportedly received the complaint from the victims’ class teacher, who noticed multiple injuries on the children’s bodies.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the parents of the minors, who reside in Osun State, had entrusted the children to the clerics for Quranic education while they continued attending conventional schools in Owo.
Further findings indicated that one of the children returned home with a Vivo Android phone and could not provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was obtained. During inquiries, the second child was also implicated. In an attempt to discipline them, the suspects allegedly used a heated cutlass on the children’s backs and buttocks, causing deep wounds.
The NSCDC described the act as a clear violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law.
The clerics have reportedly made confessional statements and are expected to be formally charged and prosecuted for offences bordering on assault and child abuse.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, warned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against unlawful forms of discipline, stressing that violence against children is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
He also commended the Executive Director of the Kids & Teens Resource Centre for the timely report and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of child abuse to security agencies.
