The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old pastor, Ambros Mark, over allegations that he sexually abused two underage girls, aged 13 and 14, who were members of his church choir.
Mark is the pastor of Point of Redemption Church International, located behind Amarata in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The two girls are reportedly from Abia State and Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a source familiar with the incident, the case 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 complaint at a police division, leading to the pastor’s arrest last Saturday.
Some residents have alleged that the pastor had previously been involved with underage girls. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
There were also allegations that attempts had been made to resolve the matter through a financial arrangement, but the parents of the 13-year-old victim reportedly rejected the proposal. The circumstances surrounding these claims remain unconfirmed.
The allegations have drawn reactions from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter, and the Do Foundation, a women’s advocacy organisation.
FIDA Bayelsa Chairperson, Dr Boma Tonye Miebai, confirmed that the organisation was monitoring the case and the legal process to ensure that the rights and interests of the children were protected.
“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 said FIDA would continue to advocate for the children’s safety, dignity and confidentiality, as well as their access to appropriate legal and psychosocial support.
Miebai also stressed that religious status 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 would work to ensure that the rights and best interests of the children were upheld throughout the legal proceedings.
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 minors.
The police had arrested Mark at the time of reporting. Further details about the investigation and any formal charges were not provided in the information available.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the pastor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
