Pastor and Wife Arrested During Church Service Over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old, Procurement of Illegal Abortion Pills

Operatives of the Ekeki Division of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a pastor and his wife over alleged involvement in the rape of a 13-year-old girl and an illegal abortion arrangement.

The arrests occurred during a Sunday service at the church, causing confusion among worshippers. The pastor initially escaped through a back door but later turned himself in after his wife was detained.

Sources say the alleged abuse took place both at the church and at the couple’s home. The victim, whose name is withheld, is reported to be the daughter of the wife’s cousin. Advocacy groups, including Women Against Gender-Based Violence and Do Foundation, said preliminary interviews indicate the girl was allegedly raped on multiple occasions beginning in November 2025.

According to reports, the girl was often sent to deliver local bread to the pastor’s wife. On several occasions, the pastor allegedly asked her inside, locked the church door, and assaulted her. She reportedly delayed telling her mother until she noticed she had missed her menstrual cycle.

The victim’s mother confronted the couple, but was reportedly persuaded not to “destroy God’s house” and received ₦120,000, which she used to procure an abortion for her daughter after a medical scan.

The case drew public attention during a church service when the pastor and his wife publicly celebrated what they described as overcoming “enemies” targeting the church. The mother subsequently reported the incident to the Ekeki police division and contacted the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence.

Police confirmed the arrests. Commissioner of Police Iyamah Daniel Edebor said the case has been transferred to the Gender Unit at police headquarters for detailed investigation and prosecution.