Nigeria: Ondo State Police rescue 15-year-old girl from forced marriage

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Police detectives in Ondo State have rescued a 15-year-old girl who was being forced into marriage with a 52-year-old man in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area. The rescue followed a tip-off from a community leader, prompting detectives to storm the venue.

The intended groom, Asere Sunday, his 22-year-old son, Asere Kehinde, and the girl’s father, Ayoola Sunday, were arrested. The father admitted to receiving money in exchange for his daughter, citing poverty as the reason for his decision.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, condemned the act, describing it as child abuse and exploitation. The suspects are in custody and will face prosecution.