…Questions suspect’s release

The World Institute for Peace (WIP), on Wednesday, called on the Osun State Government and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for a five-year-old girl allegedly defiled in Osogbo, expressing concern over reports that the prime suspect was released while investigations were still ongoing.

The organisation made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, where the child’s mother, Mrs Ifeanyi Faith, recounted the incident and appealed for intervention.

Addressing journalists, the Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace, Laminan Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, described the case as a critical test of the state’s commitment to child protection and the rule of law.

He said the organisation was disturbed by reports that the suspect, who was initially remanded in custody, had allegedly regained freedom under circumstances that had raised questions among the victim’s family and members of the public.

According to him, the institute had been informed that a charge sheet in the matter was available, urging the relevant authorities to provide a transparent account of the steps taken in the prosecution of the case.

Omotoyosi also called on the Osun State Ministry of Justice to clarify the status of the prosecution, warning that any perception of interference in the judicial process could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

“We urge Governor Ademola Adeleke to direct the Ministry of Justice to immediately review the case and ensure that all lawful steps are taken to guarantee that the suspect responsible is brought to justice without unnecessary delay,” he said.

“This matter is not merely a criminal case; it is a test of the commitment of the Osun State Government and every institution of justice to the protection of innocent children and the rule of law.”

“We are deeply disturbed by the reports that the suspect, who was remanded in custody, was subsequently released without the knowledge of the victim’s parents or the Nigeria Police Force once the charge sheet had been prepared.

“If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions that require urgent public explanation.”

The institute gave the state government 24 hours to provide clarification on the status of the case, failing which it said it would exercise its constitutional right to organise a peaceful protest to demand justice for the victim.

It also disclosed plans to petition relevant national and international human rights organisations to monitor the case and ensure that the judicial process remains transparent and impartial.

“Furthermore, we will formally bring the matter to the attention of relevant international human rights bodies, children’s rights organisations and other organisations concerned with the protection of children, requesting that they closely monitor the case and encourage a fair, transparent and impartial judicial process.”

Speaking at the briefing, the victim’s mother, Mrs. Ifeanyi Faith, alleged that the incident occurred on January 6, 2025, while she was at home and her daughter was playing outside their residence.

She said the child later returned home crying, with bloodstains on her body.

“I followed her to where the incident happened after asking what was wrong. My neighbours joined me, and they advised me to report the matter to the police immediately,” she said.

According to the mother, the case was reported at the Idupe Police Station before the child was taken to a medical facility for treatment and examination.

She claimed that the medical report confirmed that her daughter had been sexually assaulted.

Mrs. Faith, who fought back tears while addressing journalists, alleged that the suspect was later released despite her family’s pursuit of justice.

“I don’t have anybody to fight for me. It is only God that I have. That is why I came to the World Institute for Peace so they can help me get justice for my daughter,” she said.

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