Gbemisola Oladepo has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Zone XI Command in Osogbo for allegedly physically abusing her five-year-old niece.

Confirming the arrest on Monday, the Zone XI Police Command Public Relations Officer, Ade Ogunyemi, told DAILY POST that Oladepo was detained following a report of the abuse.

“Yes, a case involving physical abuse of a five-year-old girl was made at our office, and the suspect in question was invited over for questioning,” Ogunyemi said.

“She was later detained and she is still in detention and will be charged to court soon,” he added.

According to Monsurat Oluwatoyin Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Monsurat Ajoke Foundation, the child lost her father five years ago and had been placed in Oladepo’s care.

Ibrahim explained, “On Saturday, 22nd August 2021, Monsurat Ajoke Foundation received a painful report concerning a heartbreaking case of child abuse in Osun State. A 5-year-old girl who lost her father years ago and was placed in the care of her aunt, Mrs Gbemisola Oladepo, was brutally abused. The little girl was found with several bruises and injuries all over her body after continuous physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.”

She added that the girl has since been rescued and admitted to Osun State University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care.

“This case is a sad reminder that too many children, especially orphans and those living with relatives, suffer silently in the hands of those who should protect them,” Ibrahim said.

She appealed to mothers and women entrusted with children to treat them with love and dignity, urging the community not to remain silent in the face of abuse.

“Every child, whether yours by birth or entrusted to you, deserves love, dignity, and protection. No situation or hardship justifies abusing a child. If you can’t care for a child, please seek help—do not destroy an innocent life. Do not keep silent when you witness abuse. Speak out and report immediately. Support families who are struggling with childcare, especially widows, single parents, or elderly guardians,” she concluded.

Ibrahim also commended Sekinat Temilade Halid, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, for her swift intervention in handling the case.

Gunmen Abduct Passengers on Sobe-Benin Road, Demand N15m Ransom Each

An unknown number of passengers traveling on an 18-seater bus were reportedly abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along the Sobe-Benin road in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, on Thursday last week.

Sources confirmed that among the victims were students. The kidnappers have reportedly contacted the families of the abductees, demanding N15 million ransom from each for their release.