(NIGERIA)
PM News [Lagos, Nigeria]
October 28, 2026
By Michael Adesina
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over allegations of sexually abusing two girls aged 13 and 14 in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday following a complaint that he allegedly defiled the minors, who were said to be members of his church.
Confirming the arrest on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the suspect was in police custody while investigations continued.
The case reportedly came to light after the 14-year-old girl disclosed the alleged abuse to her father, a police officer attached to the state command.
Her father subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to the cleric’s arrest.
There were also allegations that attempts had been made to settle the matter financially, but the parents of the 13-year-old girl reportedly rejected the arrangement.
The claims have not been independently verified.
Reacting to the development, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, Dr Boma Miebai, condemned the alleged abuse and called for a thorough investigation.
Miebai said the organisation was monitoring the case to ensure that the rights and interests of the affected children were protected.
“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 stated.
The founder of the Do Foundation, Dr Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, also condemned the allegations and called for the protection of children against sexual exploitation.
Both organisations urged the authorities to ensure that the minors received appropriate legal and psychosocial support while investigations continued.