The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over the alleged sexual defilement of two girls aged 13 and 14 in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrest, stating that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, had ordered the transfer of the suspect and the case to the state police headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
Mohammed explained that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘A’ Division acted after receiving a complaint about the alleged offence.
He said, “Upon receipt of the complaint, the DPO of the ‘A’ Division swung into action and arrested the suspect.”
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect reportedly confessed to the allegation following his arrest.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed that the case be transferred to the state headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution.
Mark was identified as the pastor of Point of Redemption Church International, located behind the Amarata area of Yenagoa. The two girls were reportedly members of the church choir.
The victims were identified as 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 said the 14-year-old allegedly reported the matter to her father, a police officer attached to the state command, after objecting to the continuation of the alleged sexual act.
The father reportedly lodged a complaint with the police, leading to the pastor’s arrest last Saturday.
There were also allegations that the suspect had previously engaged in inappropriate relationships with underage girls. However, the claims have not been independently verified.
Similarly, reports that attempts were made to settle the matter financially with one of the victims’ families could not be independently confirmed.
Reacting to the development, the Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers called for a comprehensive investigation and the prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the law.
The chairperson of the organisation, Dr Boma Miebai, said FIDA was monitoring the case to ensure that the rights and welfare of the children were protected.
“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,” Miebai said.
She stressed the need to safeguard the victims’ identities, dignity and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support throughout the investigation and legal proceedings.
“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,” she added.
Miebai also warned against using religious status to shield individuals accused of sexual offences involving children.
“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.
The organisation urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the children’s best interests remained a priority as investigations continued.
The incident has again raised concerns about child protection and the responsibility of religious leaders and other adults in positions of trust to ensure the safety of minors under their care.
