A Osun State resident has landed in police custody after allegedly committing an unthinkable act against a child entrusted to his care — the granddaughter of a close friend.
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one Adeyemo Mukaila, a 45-year-old man who allegedly defiled the young granddaughter of his own friend. The development was made public by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun, who confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.
A Betrayal of Trust
What makes this case particularly disturbing is the relationship between the suspect and the victim’s family. Mukaila was not a stranger — he was a trusted friend of the child’s grandfather. In many Nigerian communities, such friendships are held in high regard, with family friends often treated like extended family. Children are taught to respect and trust such individuals without question.
It is this very trust that allegedly made it possible for the suspect to carry out such a heinous act.
Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse
This arrest is yet another reminder of the growing conversation around child sexual abuse in Nigeria — a menace that cuts across states, social classes, and communities. Experts and child rights advocates have repeatedly called on parents and guardians to:
– Teach children about body autonomy from a very young age
– Create safe spaces where children feel free to speak up without fear
– Never assume safety simply because someone is a family friend or relative
– Report suspicious behaviour immediately to law enforcement
The Law Is Clear
Under Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act* and the *Child Rights Act, sexual violence against a minor is a serious criminal offence that carries significant jail time upon conviction. Several states, including Osun, have domesticated these laws to ensure offenders face the full weight of justice.
The Osun State Police Command has assured the public that the matter is being handled diligently and that the suspect will be prosecuted accordingly.
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If you know a child who may be experiencing abuse, please report to the nearest police station or contact the National Human Rights Commission or a local child protection agency immediately. Speak up — a child’s life may depend on it.
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