NSCDC arrests Islamic clerics in Ondo for allegedly torturing minors with a hot cutlass at Qur’anic centres following a child-rights report

NSCDC arrests Islamic clerics after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps apprehended two teachers in Owo, Ondo State, for allegedly abusing two minors under their care with a heated cutlass.

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The suspects, identified as 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 Kids and Teens Resource Centre, the NSCDC confirmed.

The corps’ Ondo State Public Relations Officer, Daniel Aidamenbor, said the case was reported on Wednesday after a class teacher noticed injuries on the children and alerted the child-rights organisation.

Investigations revealed that the minors, whose parents reside in Osun State, had been sent to Owo to combine Qur’anic and conventional schooling.

Trouble reportedly began when one child returned home with a mobile phone and could not explain how he got it, leading to questioning that implicated the second pupil.

Aidamenbor said the clerics allegedly used a heated cutlass to strike the children on their backs and buttocks, causing deep wounds.

The corps described the act as a clear violation of the Child Rights Act and the Ondo State Child Protection Law.

“The suspects have confessed and will be charged to court for assault and child abuse,” the NSCDC statement said.

The corps warned religious institutions, parents, and guardians against unlawful punishment of children, stressing that all forms of physical abuse are criminal offences under Nigerian law.