Osun Police Arrest Imam Over Alleged Abuse of Eight-Year-Old Girl

T The Osun State Police Command has taken into custody an Islamic cleric named Kadiri, following allegations of sexual abuse involving an eight-year-old girl in Babasanya-Araka, Ede, Osun State.

The incident sparked community unrest, with residents protesting and detaining the cleric before handing him over to the police.

According to the police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, operatives were promptly deployed after the case was reported.

The suspect was initially arrested by Amotekun security operatives and is now under police custody pending further investigation before the case is transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Amotekun’s spokesperson, Idowu Yusuf, confirmed that Kadiri, who serves as an Imam and runs an Arabic school in the area, is being investigated.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was found bleeding after being missing for several hours. Her mother raised the alarm after the girl failed to return from an errand.

The child was taken to Babasanya Hospital for medical examination, which confirmed the abuse.

A video circulating on social media shows the cleric admitting to the act, stating he sent the girl on an errand and then abused her upon her return. The police have assured the public that the matter is under thorough investigation as the community seeks justice for the victim.