The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended two Islamic clerics in Owo, Ondo State, for allegedly brutalizing two minors under their supervision.
NSCDC’s public relations officer (PRO) in Ondo, Daniel Aidamenbor, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, February 5, 2026, stating that the suspects, Adebodun Muideen, 30, of Al-Balaagul-Mubeen Arabic and Islamic Centre, and Oladejo Musiliu, 35, of Abdullah Arabic and Islamic Centre, were arrested following a report by the child rights organization, Kids and Teens Resource Centre.
Aidamenbor explained that the incident was brought to light on Wednesday when a class teacher observed multiple injuries on the boys and alerted the advocacy group.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, whose parents live in Osun State, had been sent to Owo for Qur’anic studies along with conventional education.
Trouble ensued when one of the minors returned home with a Vivo Android phone and was unable to explain how he acquired it.
The NSCDC spokesperson reported that the second boy was implicated during questioning, leading the clerics to allegedly inflict burns with a heated cutlass on the boys’ backs and buttocks, resulting in deep wounds.
“The act is a total violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law,” the statement reads.
“The suspects have confessed and will face charges in court for assault and child abuse.”
The corps spokesperson cautioned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against unlawful punishment of children, emphasizing that “acts of violence against children, no matter the justification, constitute criminal offences punishable under Nigerian law.”
He commended the swift action of the executive director of the Kids and Teens Resource Centre and urged the public to report suspected abuse to security agencies.
