A 45-year-old pastor, identified simply as Pastor Lucky, has been arrested in Rivers State for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl in the Ihuaje community of Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The arrest was made by members of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee, a local vigilante group, after a report of the incident was received.
The operation was led by the OSPAC Commander for Ahoada East, Precious Ihuruzu, who immediately mobilized his team to apprehend the suspect.
According to child rights advocate Dennis Otobo, the case came to light after he was contacted by the gender desk at the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
“I received a distress call about a suspected case of child abuse and immediately began to follow up,” Otobo said. “During my investigation, I discovered that the pastor, who also owns a private school in the community, had been repeatedly assaulting the child under his care.”
Otobo revealed that the minor confided in her parents during a visit to the pastor’s residence. “She told them that the pastor had been violating her and gave her ₦500 each time to keep quiet,” he said. “Her parents rushed her to the hospital for a preliminary medical examination before reaching out to the police.”
The Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East was contacted and promised to act promptly. “By Sunday, the pastor had been taken into custody,” Otobo confirmed.
Otobo commended the efforts of the DPO, Chief Security Officer of the local government Hector Ekeakita, the OSPAC unit, and human rights advocate Prince Wiro, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign, for their roles in ensuring the arrest.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the development. “Yes, the suspect is currently in our custody. We received the report from the child’s parents and worked with the vigilante group to secure his arrest,” she said. “Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken based on our findings.”
Advocates are calling for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution if the pastor is found guilty.
Otobo added, “This case must not be swept under the carpet. The law must take its full course to serve as a deterrent to others who prey on vulnerable children.”
