Police in Bayelsa State have arrested a pastor over allegations that he sexually abused a 13-year-old girl and arranged an abortion, authorities said.
The arrest followed a complaint by the girl’s mother at the Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa on Sunday. The mother told police that the pastor, identified as Kelley, abused her daughter five times. She said the pregnancy was terminated after the pastor and his wife, the girl’s aunt, paid ₦120,000 to cover it up.
The pastor was arrested after the mother reported the case. Witnesses said he left the church through a back door when police arrived and later surrendered. His wife was taken into custody.
The incident occurred at a church in Okutukutu, a suburb of Yenagoa, during a service. The mother said she reported the matter after the pastor gave a public testimony thanking God for delivering him from “enemies.”
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Dr. Dise Ogbise Harry, president of the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, called for the Corporate Affairs Commission to revoke the church’s registration.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police CP Iyamah Edebor said the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation.
The girl’s mother said relatives have pressured her to settle the matter privately. Human rights groups said the case should be prosecuted regardless of private agreements.
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