Ondo Man Remanded for Sexual Abuse of 16-Year-Old – The One Question Everyone Needs to Answer
AKURE, Nigeria – The remand of a 43-year-old man for allegedly sexually abusing his wife’s 16-year-old fashion apprentice has sparked urgent calls from child protection advocates for stronger safeguarding measures surrounding children placed in informal domestic and vocational training arrangements.
AbdulAzeez Adebayo, popularly known as “Oloye,” was ordered remanded by an Akure Magistrate Court following allegations that he sexually assaulted the child at his residence in Oda community, Akure South Local Government Area, on May 1, 2026.
According to child protection guidelines, any person under 18 years is considered a child. The 16-year-old affected person had been placed under the care of Adebayo’s wife to learn fashion design while also assisting with domestic chores—a common but largely unregulated practice that experts say leaves countless children vulnerable to abuse.
The affected person recounted in tears that her father had dropped her off at her boss’s house that morning. She immediately felt uncomfortable with the way Adebayo stared at her body. While she was working in the kitchen, the suspect allegedly carried her into his matrimonial bedroom and sexually abused her despite her frantic attempts to resist.
“He tried to cover my mouth with a cloth, removed my underwear and had sexual intercourse with me. He also threatened to kill me with a cutlass when neighbours heard me shouting,” the affected person narrated.
The child’s father, described as inconsolable after learning of the incident, lodged a complaint at the Oda Police Station, leading to the suspect’s arrest. The case was transferred to the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Ondo State Police Command.
Child protection experts emphasize that this case reveals how abusers exploit positions of trust and authority within household settings. They are calling for mandatory safeguarding training for all households hosting apprentices and the establishment of confidential reporting channels for children in such arrangements.
The suspect has been remanded pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case adjourns to May 8, 2026.
Question: When we send our children to live with ‘trusted’ adults for training or domestic work, what safeguards exist beyond blind trust?
