Osun Islamic cleric accused of raping teenager re-arrested

Abdulrahman Habeebulah, the Islamic Cleric who was made headlines in July for raping a 16-year-old girl attending his Qu’ranic school in Ede community of Osun State has been re-arrested by police after the case was re-opened.

The suspect whose trial was initially stalled after he claimed the girl was his wife though not denying the rape allegation, was discharged without any compensation for the victim after her family opted for an out-of-court settlement. He was also not able to provide evidence of the marriage which was debunked by the girl and her family.

Premium Times reported that the elder brother of the victim, Muideen Oloyede confirmed that the case was re-opened and transferred to the state criminal investigation department in Osogbo after his family was summoned by the police.

“The police said they got a signal when we went there last week. Although they did not show us the signal, we were told it was owing to a series of petitions the IGP got,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot on the case till the point that I already gave up. Since the family had earlier opted for a settlement, I was disappointed and handed over everything to God.”

It was gathered that Mr Abdulrahman was re-arrested on Thursday, November 21, following a petition written by a human rights group, RULAAC.

Nigeria police spokesperson, Frank Mba said the group had written them demanding the re-arrest and prosecution of the Islamic cleric for rape.

“Nwanguma is really following up that case,” Mr Mba

The anti-trafficking agency, NAPTIP is also conducting its investigation on the case.