The Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment Foundation has raised alarm over the repeated sexual abuse of young boys in the Mile 12–Ketu area of Lagos, following the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Ali Umar, who was caught molesting a 12-year-old boy.
The foundation said it became aware of the situation during an outreach in the community, where residents revealed that Umar, who lives at 12 Adebimpe Street, Kosofe, had been previously caught abusing young boys. According to the community, he allegedly groomed victims by promising to buy them mobile phones, after which he lured them to his room and sexually assaulted them. On one occasion, he reportedly kept two boys in his room for two weeks before they were rescued by residents. He was released after pleading for forgiveness.
However, on November 21, 2025, the suspect was allegedly caught again in the act with another 12-year-old boy and was beaten by community members.
Five days later, on November 26, the NGO received another distress call. Two of its social workers, John Thompson and Temitope Oyeniyi, working alongside officers from Ketu Police Station, apprehended Umar and handed him over to the police.
A medical examination conducted at the Mirabel Centre, Ikeja, confirmed that the child victim had been sexually assaulted through the anus.
Umar was arraigned on November 28, 2025, before Magistrate O.A. Daodu and subsequently remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to a later date.
Ambassador (Mrs.) Pat Isiorho-Eleto, CEO of the foundation, condemned the recurring assaults and assured that the organisation would ensure the case receives full legal attention without delay.
She also expressed deep appreciation to the Ketu Police Station for their prompt intervention, thanking the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Betty Coker, and the Divisional Police Officer for their swift and professional response. She added that the foundation looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the police to protect vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, the assaulted child is undergoing emotional and psychological counselling to aid recovery from the trauma.
The NGO and the victim’s family have appealed to the Lagos State Government to ensure that justice is served without delay.
