WIP Demands Justice For Five-Year-Old Allegedly Defiled In Osogbo, Gives Osun Govt 24-Hour Ultimatum

The World Institute for Peace (WIP) has 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 in the case was released while investigations were still ongoing.

The organisation made the demand on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, where it also gave the state government a 24-hour ultimatum to clarify the status of the case, warning that it would organise a peaceful protest if no satisfactory explanation was provided.

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

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

According to him, the institute had been informed that a charge sheet had already been prepared in the matter, stressing that the relevant authorities owed the public a transparent explanation of the steps taken in prosecuting the case.

He 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 erode 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,” Omotoyosi 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 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 after the charge sheet had been prepared. If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions that require urgent public explanation.”

The institute further warned that if the government failed to respond within 24 hours, it would exercise its constitutional right to stage a peaceful protest demanding justice for the child.

It also announced plans to petition relevant national and international human rights and child protection organisations to monitor the case and ensure that the judicial process remains transparent, impartial and free from interference.

“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,” he added.

Speaking during the press conference, 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.

According to her, the child later returned home in tears with bloodstains on her body, prompting her to investigate what had happened.

“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.

Mrs. Faith said the matter was first reported at the Idupe Police Station before her daughter was taken to a medical facility for treatment and examination, adding that the medical report confirmed the child had been sexually assaulted.

Fighting back tears, she alleged that despite her family’s efforts to pursue justice, the suspect was eventually released.

“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.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Osun State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police on the allegations were not successful as of the time of filing this report.