The Ondo State Police Command has 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.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olusola, disclosed this in a statement issued in Akure on Wednesday. He said operatives acted swiftly following a tip-off from a community leader that the underage girl was about to be given out in marriage.
“Officers were deployed to the venue, where they rescued the victim and arrested the principal suspect, Asere Sunday a.k.a. ‘Santo,’ along with his son, Asere Kehinde, 22, and the victim’s father, Ayoola Sunday,” Olusola said. He added that the girl was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Igbatoro Road, Akure, for medical examination and care.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to arranging the marriage, admitting that he paid money to the victim’s father in exchange for her hand. The father reportedly told police that poverty and financial hardship influenced his decision.
Olusola further revealed that youths in the community had mobilised to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the victim’s parents before the police intervened. “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,” he said.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects are in custody and the case will be investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent. He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, as restating the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
Olusola also commended the Inspector-General of Police for providing support that has strengthened the Command’s ability to tackle emerging crimes.
