File photo of police officers
The Ondo state police command has foiled an attempt to marry off a 15-year-old girl to a 52-year-old man in Idoani, Ose LGA of the state.
In a statement on Thursday, Ayanlade Olushola, spokesperson of the command, said officers acted on intelligence received on August 28 that the marriage was about to take place.
He said the police rescued the minor and arrested three suspects — Asere Sunday, popularly known as ‘Santo’; his son, Asere Kehinde, 22; and the girl’s father, Ayoola Sunday.
“During interrogation, Santo confessed to arranging the marriage after offering money to the girl’s father. The father of the victim admitted that financial hardship influenced his decision,” the statement reads.
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Olayinka added that the minor has been taken to a hospital in Akure for medical examination.
The police spokesperson said youths in the community had mobilised to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the girl’s parents before the intervention of security operatives.
Adebowale Lawal, commissioner of police in Ondo, said the command will not tolerate child abuse, exploitation, or gender-based violence.
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The suspects, police said, are in custody and will be prosecuted.
