- The Islamic cleric in Kwara was arrested for allegedly beating a 10-year-old boy under his care.
- The assault reportedly happened after the boy told his mother that someone insulted her.
- The suspect, a relative of the boy’s late father, left the child with multiple injuries.
- The victim has been rescued and placed under government protection while the cleric faces child abuse charges.
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested an Islamic cleric, Folorunsho Olaoti, for allegedly brutalising a 10-year-old boy in the Akerebiata area of Ilorin East Local Government. The shocking case of child abuse reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, the cleric, who is said to be a relative of the boy’s late father, became furious after learning that the child had told his mother that someone had spoken badly about her. In a fit of anger, Olaoti allegedly subjected the young boy to severe physical punishment, leaving him with deep bruises and visible marks all over his body.
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The Secretary of the Child Rights Implementation Committee in Kwara State, Mrs. Antonia Oshiniwe, confirmed the incident. She said she received a distress call from one of the victim’s relatives and immediately contacted the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The suspect was arrested the following day.
“I was informed by an anonymous source. When I got to the area, I confirmed that the child had been severely beaten. I quickly reported the matter to the civil defence officers who arrested the cleric,” Oshiniwe stated.
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She added that the young boy has since been rescued and placed under government protection to ensure his safety. The case is now being handled by the authorities, and the Islamic cleric is expected to be charged in court for child abuse and assault.
Residents of the Akerebiata area have condemned the act, describing it as inhumane and un-Islamic. They urged the government to ensure justice is served and to intensify awareness about child protection laws in the state.
