A swift intervention by the Ondo State Police Command has saved a 15-year-old girl from being forced into marriage with a 52-year-old man in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area.
The police detectives stormed the venue and rescued the teenager after a community leader alerted security operatives about the planned marriage.
The girl was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Akure, for medical examination and care.
A police source disclosed that the intended groom, Asere Sunday, popularly known as “Santo,” his 22-year-old son, Asere Kehinde, and the girl’s father, Ayoola Sunday, were arrested in connection with the planned marriage.
During interrogation, Asere confessed to arranging the marriage. Admitting to the crime, he said, “I offered financial inducement to the victim’s father.” When questioned about his role, Ayoola Sunday blamed his decision on poverty.
Intelligence reports revealed that youths in the community had mobilized to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the victim’s family before the police intervened.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has condemned the act, describing it as a clear case of child abuse and exploitation.
He stated that, “the Command will not tolerate child marriage, gender-based violence, or any form of exploitation. Parents must protect their children instead of trading their future for money.”
The CP assured that the suspects are in custody and would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
