Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 52-year-old man, Asere Sunday, popularly known as “Santo,” for attempting to marry a 15-year-old girl in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Command acted swiftly after receiving a report from a community leader that the minor was about to be given out in marriage to the man, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ayanlade Olusola, revealed in a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Wednesday.
“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, aged 22, and the victim’s father, Ayoola Sunday. The rescued victim was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Igbatoro Road, Akure, for medical examination and proper care,” the PPRO said.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to arranging the marriage. “He 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,” Olusola added.
The police noted that the victim’s father claimed poverty and financial hardship influenced his decision to give out his daughter in marriage.
Olusola further disclosed that “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 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,” Olusola added.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, reaffirming the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and all forms of gender-based violence.
The PPRO also commended the Inspector-General of Police for his visionary leadership and consistent support, which has strengthened the capacity of the Ondo State Police Command to respond decisively to emerging crimes.
Fidelis David
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