Poverty Made Me Give Out My 15-Year Old Daughter Into Marriage – Father Confesses

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has foiled an attempt to force a 15-year old girl into marriage.

Already, the father of the girl, the would-be husband and one other person are helping the police to unravel the reason behind the forced marriage.

Police Command spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the incident happened at Ido-ani, in Ose Local Government Area.

According to the statement, “On 28th August, 2025, at about 06:53hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Idoani Division, received a report from a community leader, that a 15-year-old minor (name withheld for ethical reasons) was about to be given out in marriage to one Asere Sunday ‘M’, aged 52 years, popularly known as “Santo.”

“Acting swiftly on this intelligence, operatives were deployed to the venue, where they successfully rescued the victim and arrested the principal suspect, Asere Sunday a.k.a. “Santo,” along with his son, Asere Kehinde ‘M’, aged 22 years, and the victim’s father, Ayoola Sunday ‘M’.

“The rescued victim was immediately taken to the Reference Hospital, Igbatoro Road, Akure, for medical examination and proper care.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect, Asere Sunday “Santo,” confessed to arranging the marriage and admitted that he had offered money to the victim’s father in exchange for her hand, with plans already in place to conduct traditional marriage rites.

” In his statement, the father of the minor claimed that poverty and financial hardship influenced his decision to give out his daughter in marriage.

“Meanwhile, intelligence also revealed that youths in the community had mobilized to resist the marriage and were on the verge of clashing with the victim’s parents before the timely arrival of the Police.

“This swift intervention not only prevented the illegal marriage but also averted what could have escalated into a serious breakdown of law and order in the community.

“The suspects are currently in lawful custody, and the case will be diligently investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

“The Command urges parents, guardians, and community leaders to safeguard children under their care and resist compromising their future on the grounds of poverty or any other factor.”