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The Ondo State Police Command says it has disrupted the wedding of a 15-year-old girl to a 52-year-old man in Idoani, in Ose local government area of Ondo State.
While describing it as a case of child marriage, the police authorities said it took the swift intervention of its operatives carried out through credible intelligence and prompt police action to foil the attempt.
“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,” Police statement by PPRO, Olayinka Ayanlade, read.
“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.”Mr Ayanlade said 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.
Mr Ayanlade further said that the 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 said.
“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.”
Part III, Section 21, of the Child Rights Act proclaims that “no person under the age of 18 years is capable of contracting a valid marriage.”
Most states in the South have already domesticated this law although the law is not accepted in most sharia based northern states.