By Deborah Nnamdi
Police operatives in Ondo State have rescued a 15-year-old girl from a forced marriage to a 52-year-old man, identified as Asere Sunday, in the Idoani community, Ose Local Government Area of the state.
The operation followed a tip-off from a community leader who alerted authorities about the planned marriage. Acting swiftly, detectives stormed the location, rescued the teenager, and immediately took her to the Reference Hospital in Akure for medical evaluation and care.
According to police sources, three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: the intended groom, known locally as “Santo”; his 22-year-old son, Asere Kehinde; and the girl’s father, Ayoola Sunday, who allegedly accepted money in exchange for his daughter.
During interrogation, the suspect, Asere Sunday, admitted to arranging the marriage and confessed to financially inducing the girl’s father. Ayoola Sunday, in his statement, claimed poverty drove him to make the decision.
Further intelligence revealed that local youths had mobilized to protest the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the girl’s family when police intervened, preventing a possible breakdown of order.
Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a blatant case of child abuse and exploitation.
“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,” he stated.
The Commissioner confirmed that all suspects are in custody and will face prosecution, adding that the case would serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar practices.
