NSCDC Arrests Suspected Ritualist for Brutal Attack on 2-Month-Old Baby in Ogun State
In a deeply disturbing incident that has left many Nigerians shocked and heartbroken, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, has arrested a suspected ritualist for inflicting grievous bodily harm on an innocent two-month-old baby. The heinous act has raised serious concerns about child safety and the increasing trend of ritual-related crimes in Nigeria.
The NSCDC, known for its vigilance in protecting citizens and maintaining civil peace, made this arrest following a critical tip-off from a concerned parent who noticed suspicious injuries on his infant child.
Details of the Arrest: How the NSCDC Nabbed the Suspect
According to an official press release issued on Monday, May 19, 2025, by the NSCDC Ogun State Command's spokesperson, Dyke Ogbonnaya, the suspect identified as Samuel Adebisi Adewunmi, who is also known by the alias “Ifa Science”, was arrested on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.
“On Thursday, May 1st, 2025, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Command Headquarters, Abeokuta, arrested one suspected ritualist by the name Samuel Adebisi Adewunmi (aka Ifa Science) for inflicting grievous bodily harm on a two month old baby,” the statement read.
The arrest came after Kola Taiwo, a 53-year-old man and the father of the victim, reported a strange and alarming injury on his baby. Upon close inspection, he discovered a portion of the baby’s skin had been removed from the back of the head—a horrifying sign pointing toward a possible ritual-related motive.
“The tip off came through one Kola Taiwo, a 53 year old man when he noticed the cut out part on his baby's body behind the back of his head.”
Once the report was filed, officers of the NSCDC promptly swung into action. Their swift response led to the arrest of the suspect, who is now undergoing intense investigation.
“The officers and men of the Corps on hearing the incident moved in to arrest the suspect who is currently undergoing investigations with the State Command's intelligence and Investigations department.”
NSCDC Pledges Justice and Zero Tolerance for Ritual Crimes
The NSCDC emphasized that the crime committed by the suspect is in clear violation of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, and assured the public that justice will be served without compromise. The Corps further reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society—especially children—from harm and exploitation.
“The offence is punishable under the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, and the Corps will do everything within its powers to ensure justice is appropriately served.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commandant of the Ogun State NSCDC, Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, issued a stern warning to all parents and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their children’s environments and associations.
“Commandant Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, in her reactions, warns parents to be very careful and critical of their children's whereabouts..."
She also sent a strong message to anyone who may be involved in harmful activities or who might be considering any form of violent or ritualistic behavior.
"...while also warning anyone intending to cause any form of bodily harm, damage or dangerous mayhem on another to be ready to bear the consequences as the Corps will never hesitate to ensure that the full weight of the law is meted out on such a suspect.”
Child Protection in Nigeria: A Growing National Concern
This heartbreaking event brings renewed attention to the ongoing threat that ritualism poses in Nigeria. Over the years, there have been increasing reports of individuals—often posing as spiritual healers or herbalists—committing unspeakable acts in the name of wealth, power, or superstition. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable—women and children—are frequently the victims.
In this case, the alleged perpetrator, “Ifa Science,” appears to have been operating under the guise of spiritual or traditional practices, a common tactic used by ritualists to gain the trust of their victims or their families.
While the Nigerian government and its law enforcement agencies have made notable strides in combating these crimes, the demand for ritual materials in illegal spiritual practices continues to drive these despicable actions.
The Role of the Community: Why Vigilance Matters
The arrest of the suspect in this case highlights the critical role that community vigilance plays in ensuring security. If not for the quick thinking and action of Kola Taiwo, the case might have gone unnoticed, and the suspect could have remained free to harm others.
Community policing and public awareness are powerful tools in the fight against crime. It is vital that citizens, especially parents and caregivers, report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Moreover, educating people—particularly in rural communities—about the dangers of ritual practices disguised as cultural or spiritual traditions is essential. Many cases often go unreported due to fear, ignorance, or societal pressure.
Legal Implications: What the Law Says About Bodily Harm and Ritual Practices in Nigeria
Under the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State and other Nigerian legal frameworks, the act of causing grievous bodily harm, especially on a minor, is a serious criminal offense. When such harm is linked to ritual purposes, the punishment becomes even more severe, often attracting long prison sentences without the possibility of bail.
In Nigeria, anyone found guilty of participating in or facilitating ritual activities that lead to harm or death can face:
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Life imprisonment or death sentences (in extreme cases),
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Seizure of property,
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Social and professional sanctions, and
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Public condemnation.
The NSCDC’s firm statement that “the Corps will never hesitate to ensure that the full weight of the law is meted out” reflects the seriousness with which they intend to pursue this case.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Be Done
The incident is a wake-up call for all stakeholders—parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, law enforcement, and policymakers. Nigeria must take a multi-dimensional approach to end ritual crimes and child abuse, which includes:
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Strengthening child protection laws and ensuring they are enforced.
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Educating communities about the dangers and illegality of ritualistic practices.
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Encouraging whistleblowing and protecting informants.
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Ensuring quick justice in cases involving vulnerable victims.
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Collaborating with religious and traditional institutions to condemn and expose fake spiritualists and ritualists.
Final Words: A Call for Justice and Reform
This incident is not just a tragedy—it’s a call to action. The brutal harm done to an innocent two-month-old baby should enrage and mobilize everyone who values human dignity and the safety of children in Nigeria. The NSCDC’s swift response and commitment to justice is commendable, but the fight against ritual crimes is far from over.
Let us work together as a nation to ensure that such horrors never happen again. Let this case serve as a stern warning to all would-be offenders that Nigeria will not tolerate the abuse of its children or the perversion of culture and spirituality for evil purposes.
For now, all eyes remain on the Ogun State NSCDC as the investigation unfolds. We at NaijaRush will continue to follow this story and update our readers on the progress of the case and the pursuit of justice.
