The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two Islamic clerics in Owo, Ondo State, over the alleged torture and abuse of two minors under their care.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by the Ondo State Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Daniel Aidamenbor.
According to the statement, the suspects — Adebodun Muideen (30) of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre and Oladejo Musiliu (35) of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre — were apprehended following a report filed by the Kids and Teens Resource Centre, a child-rights advocacy organisation. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Aidamenbor explained that the case was reported on Wednesday after a class teacher noticed multiple injuries on the two boys and alerted the advocacy group.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, whose parents reside in Osun State, had been sent to Owo to study the Qur’an while also attending conventional school.
The NSCDC spokesperson stated that the incident allegedly began when one of the minors returned from school with an Android mobile phone and was unable to explain how he acquired it.
During questioning, the second boy was reportedly implicated, after which the clerics allegedly inflicted physical punishment on both children, resulting in serious injuries.
“The act is a total violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law,” the statement read.
Aidamenbor disclosed that the suspects had confessed during interrogation and would be charged to court for offences bordering on assault and child abuse.
He warned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against subjecting children to unlawful punishment, stressing that any form of violence against minors constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, regardless of justification.
The NSCDC spokesperson commended the prompt intervention of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre and urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to security agencies.
