In Otuokpoti community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, an 80-year-old man identified as Pa. Stephen has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl. The incident occurred in the Ogbia Local Government Area.
The arrest was facilitated by several gender advocacy groups, including the Dise Ogbise Foundation, Reigneth Foundation, Starrz Safety Initiative, and Collins Cocodia Foundation. These organizations were involved in ensuring the accused was apprehended and remanded in police custody.
Local sources reported that the suspect was known within the community. The case came to attention when the victim’s foster mother noticed changes in the child’s behavior, including signs of illness and distraction during routine tasks.
The alleged abuse had reportedly been ongoing for about a year. Neighbors had previously informed the foster mother about the suspect’s behavior, noting his habit of giving money to the young girl. A community member witnessed the child entering the suspect’s house after school and alerted others, leading to her rescue.
The Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, provided medical examination for the victim. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, founder of the Dise Foundation, stated that the victim would undergo psychological examination. The child has been placed in protective custody under the Bayelsa State Government’s Ministry of Women Affairs.
The case has been transferred from the Divisional Police headquarters in Ogbia Town to the state police headquarters in Yenagoa for further investigation. At the time of reporting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, had not confirmed the development.
This incident has brought attention to the issue of child abuse in the community. It has also highlighted the role of community involvement and gender advocacy groups in addressing such cases.
The case is currently under investigation, and legal proceedings are expected to follow. The arrest has drawn attention to child protection measures in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.
