Bayelsa police arrest pastor over alleged defilement of two minors

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

A 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, has been arrested by the police in Bayelsa State over the alleged sexual abuse of two underage girls, aged 13 and 14.

The police spokesperson in the state, Deputy Superintendent of Police Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, saying the suspect had reportedly confessed to the allegations.

Mohammed said the case was under investigation, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, had directed that the suspect and case file be transferred to the state police headquarters in Yenagoa for further investigation and prosecution.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘A’ Division acted after receiving a complaint about the alleged offence and subsequently arrested the suspect.

“The suspect, upon arrest, confessed to the charge, and the division has been directed by the Commissioner of Police to transfer the case and the suspect to the state police headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution,” Mohammed said.

The incident reportedly came to light after the 14-year-old girl, who was allegedly sexually abused on several occasions, resisted further sexual advances by the pastor and reported the matter to her father.

The father subsequently lodged a complaint with the police, prompting detectives to visit the pastor’s church in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, where the suspect was arrested.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and prepare the case for prosecution.