The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc+, mnips, has foiled an attempted case of child marriage in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This was contained in a statement issued by DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ondo State Police Command
The swift intervention, carried out through credible intelligence and prompt police action, reflects the proactive and people-centered policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM.
On 28th August, 2025, at about 06:53hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Idoani Division, received a report from a community leader, that a 15-year-old minor (name withheld for ethical reasons) was about to be given out in marriage to one Asere Sunday ‘M’, aged 52 years, popularly known as “Santo.”
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, operatives were deployed to the venue, where they successfully rescued the victim and arrested the principal suspect, Asere Sunday a.k.a. “Santo,” along with his son, Asere Kehinde ‘M’, aged 22 years, and the victim’s father, Ayoola Sunday ‘M’. The rescued victim was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Igbatoro Road, Akure, for medical examination and proper care.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect, Asere Sunday “Santo,” confessed to arranging the marriage and admitted that he had offered money to the victim’s father in exchange for her hand, with plans already in place to conduct traditional marriage rites.
In his statement, the father of the minor claimed that poverty and financial hardship influenced his decision to give out his daughter in marriage.
Meanwhile, intelligence also revealed that youths in the community had mobilized to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the victim’s parents before the timely arrival of the Police. This swift intervention not only prevented the illegal marriage but also averted what could have escalated into a serious breakdown of law and order in the community.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his visionary leadership and the consistent support that has strengthened the capacity of the Ondo State Police Command to respond decisively to emerging crimes.
The suspects are currently in lawful custody, and the case will be diligently investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. The Command urges parents, guardians, and community leaders to safeguard children under their care and resist compromising their future on the grounds of poverty or any other factor.
