by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Rivers State Police have arrested a 45-year-old pastor, identified only as Lucky, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in the Ihuaje community, Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The suspect, who leads a new-generation church and operates a private school in the area, was apprehended by operatives of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) before being handed over to the Ahoada Police Division.
According to Dennis Otobo, a member of the Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the victim disclosed the abuse to her parents during a visit to the pastor’s house.
“The girl revealed that the pastor had been sexually assaulting her and giving her ₦500 each time to keep quiet,” Otobo said.
The parents immediately took the child to a hospital for medical examination before reporting the case to the police.
OSPAC Commander in Ahoada East, Precious Ihuruzu, led the operation to arrest the pastor after receiving reports of the incident. The case was subsequently escalated to the Ahoada Police Division.
Otobo commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ahoada East Chief Security Officer Hector Ekeakita, OSPAC, and rights activist Prince Wiro for ensuring the suspect’s arrest.
Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the pastor’s arrest, stating that investigations are ongoing.
“We received a complaint from the girl’s parents, and our officers, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested the suspect. He is currently in custody,” Iringe-Koko said.
Gender advocates are urging the police to conduct a diligent investigation and ensure the suspect faces prosecution if found guilty.
The case has sparked outrage, with activists emphasizing the need for stricter measures to protect minors from sexual predators, particularly those in positions of trust.