A 10-year-old boy has been rescued after suffering severe abuse from an Islamic cleric in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Authorities confirmed the suspect’s arrest, while the child remains under protective government care.
A 10-year-old boy has reportedly been rescued after he was allegedly ass@ulted by an Islamic cleric, identified as Folorunsho Olaoti, in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 16, 2025, was said to have happened after the cleric accused the boy of informing his mother that someone had spoken negatively about her.
According to reports, Olaoti who is a relative of the child’s late father became furious over the revelation and subjected the boy to severe physical punishment, leaving visible wounds on his body.
The Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, Antonia Oshiniwe, said she received a distress call from the boy’s uncle and immediately contacted operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who arrested the suspect the following day.
Oshiniwe said she personally visited the area to confirm the report before alerting authorities. She added that the child had been taken into protective custody and would remain under government care while the suspect faces legal action for child abuse.
She also urged parents to keep their children close and avoid entrusting them to individuals who might exploit or harm them under the guise of guardianship or mentorship.
Confirming the development, NSCDC spokesperson in Kwara State, Ayoola Michael, said the case was under active investigation, assuring that justice would be served once inquiries were completed.
The rescued child is currently receiving medical treatment as legal proceedings against the suspect progress.
