A girl, 13, Anuoluwa Okanlawon who was reported missing in Ikorodu, Lagos on June 25th, 2021 was found by a good Samaritan around Maryland and handed over to Nigeria Police, Alakara, Mushin from where she was later transferred to Lagos State Special Correctional Center for Girls, Idi-Araba, Lagos a few weeks later.
According to the girl’s father, Mr. Isiaka Olanrewaju who said he got a phone call from the center in September and was thereafter visited by the officials from the center to ascertain the authenticity of what the girl told them whether he was truly the paternal father of the girl or not.
“I was queried severally about how my daughter got missing and explain what I knew about it. I was even invited to their office to confirm the truth about what I told them and what actually led to her missing”.
He continued, “I produce several documents to compliment my argument, (her birth certificate and school fee receipts some old photographs) and they found it to be true and they asked me to write a letter to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Alausa for the release of the child.”
“I visit Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Centre for her release until they eventually released her on Friday 3rd, December 2021.” Said the father.
“Before I got information about her whereabouts, It was a hell of a thing for me going from one place to the other. There’s no police station I did not go including churches and event centres. I thank God for bringing her back to me alive and we’re back as one big family.”
The elated father, however, thanked the Nigeria Police and Ministry of Youth and Social Development for their support while urging parents to keep an eye on their wards at every given time especially this yuletide season.
