The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over the alleged sexual defilement of two underage girls, aged 13 and 14, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Mark, who reportedly leads Point of Redemption Church International, located behind the Amarata area of Yenagoa, was arrested following a complaint lodged with the police.
The victims are said to be members of the church choir. One is a 13-year-old girl from Abia State, while the other is a 14-year-old indigene of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrest, explaining that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘A’ Division initiated action after receiving the complaint.
Mohammed said the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence during preliminary investigations.
“The suspect, upon arrest, confessed to the charge, and the division has been directed by the Commissioner of Police to transfer the case and the suspect to the State Police Headquarters for proper investigation and prosecution,” he said.
The incident reportedly came to light after the 14-year-old girl allegedly objected to the sexual acts and reported the matter to her father, a police officer attached to the state command.
The father subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the police, leading to the pastor’s arrest on Saturday.
There were also allegations that the suspect had previously been involved in similar incidents involving underage girls. However, the claims have not been independently established and remain subject to investigation.
Sources familiar with the incident further alleged that attempts were made to resolve the matter through financial settlements with the victims’ families. The reported efforts allegedly failed after the parents of the 13-year-old girl declined to accept such an arrangement.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has condemned the alleged abuse and called for a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the case.
The organisation’s chairperson, Dr Boma Tonye Miebai, said FIDA was monitoring developments and engaging within its mandate 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,” Miebai said.
She stressed that the rights and welfare of the children must remain central throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
According to her, the victims deserve safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.
Miebai also emphasised that religious leadership does not exempt anyone from accountability under the law, warning against efforts to conceal or trivialise alleged sexual offences involving minors.
“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.
The FIDA chairperson assured that the organisation would continue to monitor the case to ensure that the children’s rights and best interests are protected throughout the legal process.
The police are expected to continue investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine the appropriate legal action.
