YENAGOA, Nigeria — A pastor and his wife have been arrested in Bayelsa State over allegations involving the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl and the suspected facilitation of an unlawful abortion, in a case that has sent shockwaves through Yenagoa and intensified conversations about child protection and accountability within religious institutions.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the Ekeki Police Division under the authority of the Bayelsa State Police Command during a Sunday church service in the state capital. Witnesses said the operation disrupted proceedings, with congregants expressing confusion as officers moved to detain the couple. The pastor reportedly attempted to exit the church through a rear door but later presented himself to authorities after his wife was taken into custody.
According to preliminary information made available to investigators and advocacy groups, the pastor is accused of sexually assaulting the minor on multiple occasions beginning in November 2025. The girl’s identity is being withheld due to her age and the sensitivity of the case. Individuals familiar with the investigation stated that the alleged incidents occurred both within church premises and at the pastor’s residence.
Members of Women Against Gender-Based Violence and Do Foundation confirmed that they conducted an initial interview with the victim after the complaint was formally lodged. According to the organization, the teenager disclosed that the alleged abuse occurred five times. She reportedly stated that she had been sent by her mother to deliver locally baked bread, commonly known as “Madiga,” to the pastor’s wife, who is said to be her cousin. On one occasion when the wife was absent, the girl alleged that the pastor invited her inside, locked the church door, and assaulted her. She further claimed that similar incidents occurred on subsequent visits.
The teenager reportedly did not disclose the incidents immediately, citing fear and confusion. The matter came to light after she missed her menstrual period and later informed her mother. A medical examination reportedly confirmed that she was pregnant.
The pastor’s wife is alleged to have paid ₦120,000 to facilitate an abortion after the pregnancy was discovered. According to the victim’s mother, she initially confronted the couple. However, she was reportedly persuaded by a relative not to escalate the matter publicly to avoid bringing disrepute to the church community. The money allegedly provided was used to arrange for a medical procedure following a scan.
Tensions escalated weeks later during a church service when, according to eyewitnesses, the pastor and his wife publicly expressed gratitude during prayers for overcoming adversaries allegedly attempting to undermine the church. The victim’s mother, distressed by the remarks and ongoing silence around the incident, left the service and proceeded directly to the Ekeki Police Division to file a formal complaint.
The complaint was subsequently escalated to the Gender Unit at the state police headquarters. The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, confirmed that the suspects are in custody and stated that the case has been transferred for thorough investigation. He emphasized that the police command is committed to ensuring that all allegations of sexual abuse are properly investigated, regardless of the status of those involved.
Under Nigerian law, sexual relations with a minor constitute a serious criminal offense. Additionally, abortion remains largely prohibited except under limited medical circumstances. Legal experts indicate that, if substantiated, the allegations could lead to multiple charges, including statutory rape and unlawful termination of pregnancy.
Stone Reporters note that cases involving alleged abuse within religious institutions often generate complex community reactions. In this instance, some church members reportedly gathered at the police division seeking clarity, while others expressed shock over the accusations. Advocacy groups have urged the public to allow due process to unfold without interference and have stressed the importance of protecting the victim from further trauma or public exposure.
Child rights activists in Bayelsa State say the case underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns and improved reporting mechanisms for minors who may face abuse in environments where authority figures are deeply respected. They argue that cultural reluctance to challenge religious leaders can delay intervention and increase harm.
Authorities have not yet released detailed findings from medical examinations or forensic analysis. Police sources indicate that investigators are collecting statements from witnesses, reviewing medical records, and preparing documentation for possible prosecution.
For the victim and her family, the legal process now begins under heightened public scrutiny. Advocacy organizations have called for psychosocial support for the minor and for strict confidentiality as the case proceeds through the justice system.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials reiterate that no individual is above the law and that allegations of this nature will be addressed through established legal procedures. The outcome of the case is expected to test both the robustness of child protection enforcement in Bayelsa State and the willingness of communities to confront abuse allegations transparently.
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