A woman identified as Gbemisola Oladepo has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Zone XI Command in Osogbo for allegedly subjecting her five-year-old niece to severe physical abuse.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Zone XI Police Command, Ade Ogunyemi, stated that Oladepo was arrested and remains in custody.

“Yes, a case of physical abuse involving a five-year-old girl was reported at our office. The suspect was invited for questioning, subsequently detained, and will be arraigned in court soon,” Ogunyemi disclosed.

Further details emerged from a statement by Monsurat Oluwatoyin Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Monsurat Ajoke Foundation, revealing that the child, who lost her father five years ago, was placed in the care of her aunt, Gbemisola Oladepo.

According to Ibrahim, “On Saturday, 22nd August 2021, we received a distressing report about a case of child abuse in Osun State. A five-year-old girl, who had been under the care of her aunt, was discovered with multiple injuries and bruises all over her body following repeated physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.”

She noted that the girl has been rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

“This case is a tragic reminder that many children—especially orphans and those living with relatives—suffer in silence at the hands of their supposed caregivers,” Ibrahim added.

She urged women and guardians to properly care for children placed in their trust and called on community members to speak out against abuse.

“Every child deserves love, dignity, and protection—whether your own or placed in your care. No hardship justifies harming a child. If you’re unable to care for one, seek help instead of causing irreparable harm.

“Please do not remain silent when you witness abuse. Report it immediately. Support families facing challenges with childcare, especially widows, single parents, or elderly guardians,” she appealed.

Ibrahim also acknowledged and praised the swift intervention of Sekinat Temilade Halid, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, for her prompt handling of the case.