……Gives Osun Govt 24-Hour Ultimatum
A civil society organisation, the World Institute for Peace (WIP), has given the Osun State Government a 24-hour ultimatum to clarify the status of the alleged child defilement case involving a five-year-old girl in Osogbo, warning that failure to do so would trigger a peaceful protest.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the organisation, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, demanded transparency and accountability in the handling of the case involving Ifeanyi Ify, the five-year-old daughter of Mr. Agu, an Osogbo resident.
According to the organisation, the child was allegedly defiled in January 2025 by Amos Ayomide Adebirigbe, stressing that the suspect should be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law.
WIP described the matter as more than a criminal case, saying it is a test of the Osun State Government’s commitment to protecting children and upholding the rule of law.
The organisation expressed concern over reports that the suspect, who was remanded in custody, was later released without the knowledge of the victim’s parents or the police prosecutor handling the matter.
It said if the reports are true, they raise serious questions that require urgent public explanation.
The group also stated that the victim’s family had informed it that the charge sheet in the matter is available, urging the relevant authorities to provide a transparent account of every step taken in the prosecution of the case.
WIP further expressed concern over reports that the Osun State Ministry of Justice sought bail for the suspect, warning that such action, if confirmed, could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and send the wrong signal to victims of sexual violence.
The organisation also alleged that there were attempts to influence the judicial process in favour of the suspect, insisting that any form of interference should be thoroughly investigated.
It called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to direct the Ministry of Justice to immediately clarify the status of the case and ensure that all lawful steps are taken to guarantee the suspect appears before the court without unnecessary delay.
The group warned that failure to do so would compel the organisation to organise a peaceful protest in pursuit of justice for the victim.
WIP also disclosed plans to petition relevant international human rights bodies, including the United Nations, requesting them to monitor the case and encourage a fair, transparent and impartial judicial process.
The organisation condemned what it described as every attempt to trivialise allegations of child defilement, stressing that the protection of children must never become a casualty of bureaucracy, influence or politics.
It also appealed to civil society organisations, human rights groups, child protection advocates, religious bodies, traditional institutions and members of the public to support its campaign for justice for the child.
The group maintained that justice delayed is justice denied, urging the authorities to act swiftly to restore public confidence in the justice system and demonstrate that no individual is above the law.