ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA — A non-governmental organisation, the Adewale Ogunleye Foundation, has called on the Ogun State Police Command to ensure that justice is served in the case of a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly sexually molested by a man in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The foundation made the call on Saturday in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunleye, following reports that the suspect had been arrested but was allegedly attempting to use his influence to suppress the case. The foundation expressed concern over the slow pace of investigation and urged the police to expedite action on the matter.
“We have received reports that the suspect is trying to manipulate the process and intimidate the victim’s family. We are calling on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that this case is handled professionally and that justice is not perverted,” the statement read. “The victim is a minor, and he deserves protection. The law must take its course, no matter who is involved.”
The foundation said it had taken up the case to provide legal and psychological support to the victim, who is said to be traumatised by the experience. It urged the police to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted in line with the provisions of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the suspect was in custody and that investigations were ongoing. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, said the command had taken the allegations seriously and was working to ensure a thorough investigation. She urged members of the public with useful information to come forward.
“The case is under investigation. We are treating it with the seriousness it deserves. The suspect is in custody, and we will ensure that justice is done,” Odutola stated.
The victim’s family, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said they were living in fear following threats allegedly made by the suspect’s associates. They appealed to the government and security agencies to protect them and to ensure that the case is not swept under the carpet.
“We are not asking for anything but justice. Our son has been through a lot. We want the law to take its course,” the victim’s mother said.
The foundation also called on the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to provide support for the victim, including counselling and medical care. It urged the government to strengthen child protection systems in the state to prevent similar incidents.
Child rights advocates have expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual abuse in Nigeria, particularly involving minors. According to UNICEF, one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria experience sexual violence before the age of 18, yet many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear of reprisal.
The foundation said it would continue to monitor the case and ensure that the victim receives justice. It also urged other civil society organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices to the cause. “We cannot afford to be silent. Silence is what enables these crimes to continue. We must speak up for our children,” Ogunleye said.
