Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested 80-year-old Pa. Stephen, who allegedly defiled a 10-year-old pupil in Otuokpoti community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to reports from various gender advocacy groups in the state, including the Dise Ogbise Foundation (Do Foundation), Reigneth Foundation, Starrz Safety Initiative, and the Collins Cocodia Foundation, Pa Stephen was identified by community members as a serial pedophile and suffering from advanced piles and hernia.
Upon receiving the alert about the incident, the gender advocacy groups mobilised and ensured that the culprit was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Otuokpoti.
Subsequently, they confirmed that the suspect has been transferred to the State Headquarters of the Police in Yenagoa.
The foster mother of the victim informed DAILY POST that she noticed the girl showing signs of sickness and becoming absent-minded while doing household chores.
“Many of my neighbors warned me that they noticed the elderly accused giving money to the child and advised me to be vigilant, informing me that he is a serial pedophile,” he said.
Investigations revealed that the elderly accused had allegedly been secretly abusing the child for over 12 months without the foster mother’s knowledge.
He added, “On the day of the incident, a concerned community member saw the child entering the elderly man’s house on her way home from school. She immediately raised an alarm, and they forcefully rescued her. The victim admitted that the abuse had been ongoing since last year.”
Confirming the incident, Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, founder of the Dise Foundation, told DAILY POST that it took joint efforts from the gender advocacy groups to ensure the accused was arrested and remanded in police custody.
She also confirmed that the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State chapter, provided medical support and conducted examinations.
The victim is now in protective custody of the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“She has undergone a medical examination and will also undergo a psychological evaluation.
“It is sad that such things are happening. It serves as a red flag to all of us,” Ogbise Goddy Harry said.