A disturbing case has emerged from the Akerebiata community in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, where an Islamic cleric named Folorunsho Olaoti was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old boy under his care. The boy, who resided with the cleric, reportedly suffered severe physical harm following an accusation made by Olaoti against the child.
The incident unfolded on Thursday, October 16, 2025, when the cleric accused the boy of informing his mother that someone had spoken negatively about her. Enraged by this, Olaoti, who is reportedly related to the boy’s deceased father, subjected the child to a brutal beating, leaving him with significant injuries.
Local residents, alarmed by the boy’s condition, alerted child protection agencies, which led to swift intervention. Antonia Oshiniwe, Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, confirmed the arrest in an interview with Punch on Sunday. She recounted receiving a distress call from the victim’s uncle and promptly involving the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who detained the cleric on Friday.
“An anonymous tip brought this to my attention. Upon visiting the scene, I verified the abuse and immediately reported it to the civil defence authorities,” Oshiniwe stated.
She further emphasized the importance of parental vigilance, urging guardians to avoid entrusting their children to clerics or other caretakers who might exploit or harm them. “The child has been safely removed from the harmful environment and is now under government care. Legal action will be pursued against the perpetrator for child abuse,” she added.
Ayoola Michael, the Public Relations Officer for the NSCDC in Kwara State, affirmed that the case is being treated with the highest priority. “A comprehensive investigation is underway to ensure justice is achieved. We will release our findings once the inquiry is complete,” he remarked.
Currently, the young victim is receiving medical treatment for his injuries, while the cleric remains detained as the judicial process advances.
