Two Islamic clerics in Ondo State have been remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, Akure, for allegedly inflicting serious bodily injuries on 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, Owo, were arraigned on February 12, 2026, before the Magistrate Family Court, Akure Division, on a three-count charge bordering on assault and child abuse.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SC Daniel Aidamenbor.
They were arrested on January 28, 2026, following a petition by a child rights advocacy organisation, Kids and Teen Resource Centre, which reported alleged cases of severe assault with visible multiple injuries on the bodies of the minors in Owo.
The defendants were charged under Section 3(3)(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, as well as Sections 255 and 335 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The court ordered that the clerics be remanded pending the perfection of their bail conditions as requested by defence counsel and adjourned the matter to April 9, 2026, for trial.
In addition, the court directed that the victims be temporarily removed from their parents and placed in a children’s home until the parents demonstrate the capacity to adequately cater for them.
