Cleric, wife arrested over 13-year-old’s ordeal
Operatives of the Ekeki Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Yenagoa have arrested a pastor and his wife over their alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Iyamah Edebor, confirmed the arrest on Monday. He disclosed that the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit at the State Police Headquarters for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest reportedly took place during a Sunday church service, causing confusion among worshippers. Witnesses said the pastor initially fled through a back entrance but later presented himself at the police station after his wife had been taken into custody.
Share this:
*Police insignia
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Operatives of the Ekeki Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Yenagoa have arrested a pastor and his wife over their alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Iyamah Edebor, confirmed the arrest on Monday. He disclosed that the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit at the State Police Headquarters for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest reportedly took place during a Sunday church service, causing confusion among worshippers. Witnesses said the pastor initially fled through a back entrance but later presented himself at the police station after his wife had been taken into custody.
According to sources, the victim is related to the pastor’s wife. It was alleged that the incidents occurred both within the church premises and at the pastor’s residence.
In her account to investigators, the teenager said she had been sent on several occasions to deliver locally made bread, popularly known as “madiga”, to the pastor’s wife. She alleged that on one occasion, when the wife was absent, the pastor invited her inside and assaulted her. She further stated that similar incidents occurred on multiple occasions.
The matter reportedly came to light after the girl informed her mother of health concerns, prompting further inquiries.
Sources said the victim’s mother confronted the couple but was allegedly persuaded by a relative not to escalate the issue. It was further alleged that money was provided to facilitate a medical procedure following a scan.
The situation reportedly escalated during a church service when the pastor and his wife publicly expressed gratitude for overcoming perceived challenges against them. Offended by the remarks, the victim’s mother lodged a formal complaint at the Ekeki Police Division.
She also contacted the complaint unit of the National Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence, led by Barrister Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry.
