A 50-year-old priest named Ambros Mark was arrested in Yenagoa, the state capital, on suspicion of sexually defiling two minors, ages 13 and 14, according to the Bayelsa State Police Command.
The suspect allegedly confessed to the crime, according to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Mohammed, who also stated that CP Ajao Saka Adewale, the Commissioner of Police, had ordered the case and suspect to be transferred to the state police headquarters for additional investigation and prosecution.
Mohammed told our correspondent over the phone that the Divisional Police Officer of the “A” Division responded quickly to the allegation.
“The DPO of the ‘A’ Division moved quickly to apprehend the offender after receiving the report.
“The division has been instructed by the Commissioner of Police to transfer the case and the suspect to the State Police Headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution after the suspect confessed to the charge upon arrest,” he stated.
The Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers has condemned the arrest and demanded a full investigation and preservation of the children’s rights.
The two girls were allegedly choir members of Point of Redemption Church International, which is situated behind Yenagoa’s Amarata neighbourhood. The suspect was identified as a pastor of the church.
A 13-year-old girl from Abia State and a 14-year-old girl from Bayelsa State’s Ogbia Local Government Area are reportedly the victims.
The 14-year-old girl reported the event to her father, a state command police officer, after objecting to the alleged sexual act continuing, a person familiar with the incident informed our correspondent.
The police were reportedly informed by the father, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect last Saturday.
Residents claimed that the pastor had earlier been engaged in improper relationships with minors. The assertions have not been verified independently.
It was additionally claimed that efforts had been made to reach a financial settlement with one of the victims’ families, but the attempt reportedly fell through after the parents of the 13-year-old girl refused to accept the suggested deal. This claim could not be confirmed independently.
In response to the situation, Dr. Boma Miebai, Chairperson of FIDA’s Bayelsa State chapter, stated that the organization was monitoring the issue to guarantee the protection of the rights and interests of the children.
She called on the authorities to perform a comprehensive inquiry and guarantee careful prosecution in line with the law.
“She stated that we recognize the capture of the suspected offender and call on the appropriate agencies to carry out a comprehensive inquiry and guarantee that the issue is meticulously pursued in line with the law.”
Miebai stated, “FIDA Bayelsa, as an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the rights of women and children, will persist in championing children’s safety, dignity, confidentiality, and their right to proper legal and psychosocial assistance.”
The FIDA chairperson cautioned against efforts to protect individuals accused of child sexual crimes due to their religious status.
“We emphasize that no religious title or role elevates anyone above the law.” “Our kids need safeguarding, and supposed sexual crimes against them must never be hidden or downplayed,” she asserted.
She reiterated the organization’s dedication to maintaining the rights and best interests of the children during the legal proceedings.
The organizations urged for the safeguarding of minors and suitable legal measures depending on the investigation results.
The incident has reignited worries regarding child safety and the duty of adults in trusted roles, such as religious leaders, to guarantee the protection of children in their custody.
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