Father arrested in Ondo over children’s poor welfare

By Boye Oyeyemi –

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the arrest of a father of three, Mr Daniel Atilo, for allegedly failing to comply with a standing court directive on the welfare and education of his children.

Mr Atilo, who works as a security guard with a new generation bank, was arrested by police officers within the court premises after a bench warrant was executed against him.

The warrant issued on May 8, 2025, followed his refusal to pay his children’s school fees and repeated failure to honour court summons.

Recall that Mr Atilo had previously told the court that the gods of his land would punish him if he gave money to his estranged wife for the upkeep of the children, accusing her of infidelity.

Appearing before Magistrate Grace Alphonso, the defendant told the court that he had been paying a monthly upkeep of ₦35,000 from May to July but said his monthly salary of ₦50,000 could not cover school fees.

However, his estranged wife, Mrs Atilo, informed the court that her husband had not supported the children’s education since 2023 and remained unaware of their current academic progress, including the university admission secured by their first child.

In her ruling, Magistrate Alphonso described the defendant’s actions as a clear case of irresponsibility and disregard for lawful orders.

She ordered his immediate arrest and directed the prosecutor to file formal contempt charges against him. The matter was adjourned until August 14, 2025, for further hearing.