The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two Islamic clerics in Owo, Ondo State, for allegedly torturing and abusing two minors under their care. 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 complaint filed by the Kids and Teens Resource Centre, a child-rights advocacy organisation.

The abuse came to light when a class teacher noticed multiple injuries on the children and alerted the advocacy group. Preliminary investigations revealed that the boys, whose parents live in Osun State, were sent to Owo to study the Qur’an alongside attending conventional school. The incident reportedly began after one of the children returned from school with a mobile phone he could not explain, leading to physical punishment from the clerics.

According to the NSCDC, both clerics confessed to the abuse during interrogation and will face charges for offences including assault and child abuse. The statement stressed that such actions violate the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law, and warned that any form of violence against minors is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

The NSCDC commended the swift action of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre and urged parents, guardians, and religious institutions to report suspected abuse immediately. The corps emphasised that protecting children from unlawful punishment is a shared responsibility and any delay in reporting abuse can endanger young lives.