Bayelsa Pastor Arrested Over Alleged S£xual Abuse Of Two Underage Church Choir Members
Bayelsa Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Sexual Abuse Of Two Underage Church Choir Members
The victims, who were reportedly members of the church choir, are from Abia State and Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, of Point of Redemption Church International, located behind Amarata in Yenagoa, over the alleged sexual defilement of two minors aged 13 and 14.
The victims, who were reportedly members of the church choir, are from Abia State and Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
A source familiar with the incident told our correspondent that the case came to light after the 14-year-old girl reportedly objected to the alleged sexual acts and informed her father, a police officer attached to the state command.
The father subsequently reported the alleged offence at a police division, leading to the pastor’s arrest last Saturday.
Some residents alleged that the pastor had a history of involvement with underage girls, although these claims have not been independently verified.
It was also alleged that attempts to settle the matter financially had failed following the refusal of the parents of the 13-year-old victim to agree to the proposed arrangement. The circumstances surrounding the alleged settlement attempts could not be independently confirmed.
The incident has drawn condemnation from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, and the Do Foundation, a women’s advocacy organisation.
The Chairperson of FIDA Bayelsa, Dr Boma Tonye Miebai, confirmed that the organisation was following the case and monitoring the legal process to protect the rights and interests of the affected children.
“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.
Miebai said FIDA would continue to advocate for the children’s safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.
She stressed that religious positions did not exempt anyone from accountability under the law.
“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 said.
She added that FIDA Bayelsa remained committed to ensuring that the rights and best interests of the affected children were upheld throughout the legal process.
The founder of the Do Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, also confirmed the incident and expressed shock over the allegations, condemning the alleged abuse of the children.
