The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old girl from being forced into marriage with a 52-year-old man in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the incident occurred on August 28, 2025, when a community leader alerted the Idoani Divisional Police Officer about the planned marriage.
Acting on the tip-off, police operatives stormed the venue and rescued the minor, who was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Akure, for medical examination and care.
The police also arrested the intended groom, Asere Sunday, popularly known as “Santo” (52 years old), his son Asere Kehinde (22 years old), and the victim’s father, Ayoola Sunday, who allegedly received money in exchange for his daughter.
During interrogation, “Santo” confessed to arranging the marriage and admitted offering financial incentives to the victim’s father. The father, on his part, told investigators that poverty drove him to give out his underage daughter.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports revealed that youths in the community had already mobilized to resist the marriage and were on the brink of clashing with the victim’s family before the timely intervention of the police.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, condemned the act, describing it as a clear case of child abuse and exploitation. He warned that the suspects would face full prosecution to serve as a deterrent.
“The Command will not tolerate child marriage, gender-based violence, or any form of exploitation. Parents must protect their children instead of trading their future for money,” CP Lawal stated.
The case is currently under investigation, with the suspects held in custody pending prosecution.
