The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, identified as Ambros Mark, over allegations of sexually abusing two underage girls aged 13 and 14 in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The suspect, according to police sources, is the pastor of Point of Redemption Church International, located behind the Amarata area of Yenagoa. The two alleged victims are reportedly members of the church choir.
The 13-year-old girl is said to be from Abia State, while the 14-year-old is from Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to information gathered, the case came to light after the 14-year-old girl reportedly objected to the alleged sexual advances and informed her father, a police officer attached to the Bayelsa State Police Command.
The father subsequently reported the matter to the police division, leading to the pastor’s arrest last Saturday.
Some residents alleged that the pastor had previously engaged in inappropriate relationships with underage girls. However, these claims have yet to be independently verified.
For all breaking news and latest gist:
👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNELIt was also alleged that attempts to resolve the matter through financial settlement failed after the parents of the 13-year-old girl reportedly declined to accept such an arrangement.
The incident has attracted condemnation from women’s rights advocates, who have called for a thorough investigation and the protection of the alleged victims.
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, and the founder of the Do Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, confirmed the incident and condemned the alleged sexual abuse of the minors.
The Do Foundation expressed shock over the allegations, describing the reported incident as disturbing and emphasising the need to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Miebai said FIDA Bayelsa was actively following the case within its mandate to protect the rights and interests of the affected children.
She called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that the matter was prosecuted 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.
According to her, FIDA Bayelsa would continue to advocate for the safety, dignity and confidentiality of the children while ensuring that they have access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.
She stressed that the rights and best interests of the alleged victims must remain a priority throughout the legal process.
“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,” Miebai stated.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that the children’s rights are upheld and that the appropriate legal process is followed.
The police are expected to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the outcome of the investigation and any formal charges against the suspect had not been established.
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
https://nya5.com/link?z=11857196&var=
Did you want to monetize your website, join MONETAG or ADSKEEPER and start earning
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG