The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over the alleged sexual defilement of two underage girls, aged 13 and 14, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the suspect had reportedly confessed to the offence, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, had directed the transfer of the case and suspect to the state police headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
Mohammed, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent during a telephone interview, said the Divisional Police Officer of the ‘A’ Division acted promptly after receiving the complaint.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, the DPO of the ‘A’ Division swung into action and 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,” he said.
The arrest has drawn condemnation from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Bayelsa State chapter, has called for a thorough investigation and protection of the rights of the affected children.
The suspect was identified as a pastor at Point of Redemption Church International, located behind the Amarata area of Yenagoa, where the two girls were reportedly members of the church choir.
The victims are said to be a 13-year-old girl from Abia State and a 14-year-old girl from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
A source familiar with the incident told our correspondent that the 14-year-old girl allegedly reported the incident to her father, a police officer attached to the state command, after objecting to the continuation of the alleged sexual act.
The father was said to have lodged a complaint with the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest last Saturday.
Residents also alleged that the pastor had previously been involved in inappropriate relationships with underage girls. The claims have not been independently verified.
It was further alleged that attempts had been made to settle the matter financially with one of the victims’ families, but the effort reportedly failed after the parents of the 13-year-old girl declined to agree to the proposed arrangement. This allegation could not be independently verified.
Reacting to the development, the Chairperson of FIDA, Bayelsa State chapter, Dr Boma Miebai, said the organisation was following the matter to ensure that the rights and interests of the children were protected.
She urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the law.
“We acknowledge the arrest of the alleged perpetrator and urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the matter is diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she said.
Miebai added, “As an organisation committed to the protection of women’s and children’s rights, FIDA Bayelsa will continue to advocate for the children’s safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.”
The FIDA chairperson warned against attempts to shield anyone accused of sexual offences against children because of their religious position.
“We reiterate that no religious title or position places anyone above the law. Our children deserve protection, and alleged sexual offences against them must never be concealed or trivialised,” she stated.
She further reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that the rights and best interests of the children were upheld throughout the legal process.
The organisations called for the protection of the minors and appropriate legal action based on the outcome of the investigation.
The case has renewed concerns about child protection and the responsibility of adults in positions of trust, including religious leaders, to ensure the safety of children under their care.
