A 38-year-old cleric has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl during a “spiritual cleansing” ritual at a riverbank.
The suspect, a member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ijebu Igbo, had convinced the victim’s mother that her daughter needed a spiritual bath to avert an impending calamity.
The mother, trusting the cleric’s authority, allowed him to take her daughter to the riverbank for the ritual at 2:00 a.m. However, instead of performing the spiritual cleansing, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the minor and defiled her.
The victim’s mother reported the incident to the Ijebu Igbo Divisional Police Station, leading to the cleric’s arrest. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Ogun State Police Command has warned parents and guardians to protect their children from questionable persons, especially those who exploit religious beliefs for financial advantage.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, noted that findings indicated a disturbing level of neglect and lack of parental caution in this case.
The Ogun State Police Command has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, especially those involving minors.
