Islamic cleric abuses minor in Osun, prompting police arrest and protests. Community anger grows as eight-year-old victim receives urgent medical care

Islamic cleric abuses minor in what has become one of the most emotionally charged incidents reported this year in Ede, Osun State. The Osun State Police Command confirmed on Saturday the arrest of a cleric known simply as Kadiri, who allegedly defiled an eight-year-old girl.

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The disturbing act occurred in the Babasanya-Araka area, sparking immediate outrage and a protest by local residents. The suspect, who is said to be an Imam and also operates an Arabic school in the neighbourhood, was reportedly attacked by an angry mob before being handed over to authorities.

The command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest and gave initial details to *PUNCH Online*. “The matter was reported, and we deployed operatives to the scene.

When our men got to the scene, the Amotekun men who arrested him handed him over to us. So, he is in our custody already. But we want the Division to investigate before the matter is transferred to SCID. That is all that is available for now,” Ojelabi explained.

Witnesses say the victim had gone missing for several hours earlier that day, leading to a frantic search by her mother. When the young girl was eventually found, she was bleeding and visibly distressed. Her mother immediately took her to a hospital in Ede for medical attention.

A resident, who declined to be named, described the shocking discovery. “The girl had been gone for hours. When they finally found her, she was in tears and bleeding. It was a terrible sight. No one expected such evil from someone trusted by the whole community.”

Amotekun personnel were the first to respond and detain the cleric before handing him over to the police. Their swift response likely prevented further violence, as tensions had risen rapidly among residents who gathered near the scene.

Idowu Yusuf, spokesperson for Amotekun in Osun, confirmed further details about the suspect. “The suspect is an Imam of a mosque. He also has an Arabic school in the area where he is teaching students Arabic. Further investigation is being done by the police,” Yusuf said.

News of the incident has since spread rapidly across social media platforms, fuelling public anger and leading to renewed discussions around child protection and accountability in religious spaces.

Many have voiced concerns about the ease with which individuals in positions of trust can exploit vulnerable children.

“I cannot believe it,” said a resident who knows the suspect. “This is a man who teaches our children how to read the Qur’an. How can someone like that do this to a child? He must face justice.”

The girl remains under medical care. While no official statement has been released about her current condition, health workers have confirmed she is receiving all necessary support and treatment.

As investigations continue, both law enforcement and community leaders are calling for calm. The Osun State Police Command reassured residents that the matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness and promised that justice would be served.

“We understand the outrage and grief this incident has caused,” said Ojelabi. “Our officers are doing everything possible to ensure a thorough investigation and to protect the integrity of the process.”

Community leaders have also begun discussing ways to improve child safety across Ede. Some are calling for background checks on educators, religious leaders, and others in regular contact with minors.

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For many, the emotional wounds from this case may take time to heal. However, the demand for justice is loud and clear, as Ede residents await the next step in the prosecution of the suspect.