Bayelsa Police Arrest 50-Year-Old Pastor Over Alleged Defilement of Two Minors
By Our Correspondent, YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 50-year-old pastor, identified as Ambros Mark, over the alleged sexual defilement of two underage girls aged 13 and 14.
The suspect, who reportedly leads Point of Redemption Church International, located behind Amarata in Yenagoa, was arrested by operatives of the ‘A’ Division following a complaint lodged by the father of one of the alleged victims.
The two girls are reportedly members of the church choir. One is from Abia State, while the other hails from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a police source, the 14-year-old girl reportedly objected to the alleged sexual acts and subsequently informed her father, a police officer attached to the Bayelsa State Command, who reported the matter to the police.
The complaint prompted the Divisional Police Officer of the ‘A’ Division to initiate action, leading to the suspect’s arrest last Saturday.
Residents alleged that the pastor had previously been involved in inappropriate relationships with underage girls. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
It was also alleged that attempts to resolve the matter through financial settlement failed following the refusal of the parents of the 13-year-old victim to accept such an arrangement.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, Dr Boma Tonye Miebai, and the founder of the women-focused advocacy organisation, Do Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, have condemned the alleged incident.
The two women advocates expressed concern over the allegations and called for appropriate action to protect the affected children.
Miebai said FIDA Bayelsa was actively monitoring the case within its mandate to protect children’s rights and ensure that the interests of the alleged victims were safeguarded throughout the legal process.
“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.
She added that FIDA Bayelsa would continue to advocate for the children’s safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.
“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.
In a separate confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, Musa Mohammed, said the suspect had allegedly confessed to the offence and that investigations were ongoing.
Mohammed explained that the DPO of the ‘A’ Division swung into action after receiving the complaint and arrested the suspect.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the division to transfer the suspect and the case to the State Police Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
The police have yet to announce the outcome of the investigation.
The case has renewed calls for stronger protection of children against sexual abuse and for the prompt investigation and prosecution of alleged offenders, irrespective of their religious or social standing.
