Arrest of Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a pastor, Asonye Isaiah, for allegedly committing a serious crime involving a teenage girl. According to reports, the incident took place in the Old Kwarshi I area of Abuja. The accused pastor is said to have exploited his position by claiming that the victim was possessed and required spiritual cleansing at a river.
The arrest followed a report from the victim’s guardian, who had noticed unusual behavior in her niece. This led to an investigation by the police, which revealed that the suspect had deceived the guardian by falsely claiming that the girl needed spiritual cleansing. Instead of performing the ritual, the pastor reportedly took the 16-year-old girl to a hotel in New Kwarshi, where he committed the act twice. He also threatened the victim with death if she spoke about what happened.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Rahman Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement. He mentioned that the complaint was lodged on April 18, 2026, at around 20:00 hours. The statement emphasized that the victim was taken for a medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offense and requested leniency.
Details of the Incident
The guardian, upon observing the behavioral changes in her niece, questioned her, leading to the revelation of the incident. The police stated that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for further investigation and prosecution. The state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, assured the public that justice would be served and urged people to be cautious about the places of worship they attend and individuals who present themselves as clerics.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when dealing with religious figures. It also underscores the need for proper checks and balances within religious institutions to prevent such abuses.
Additional Case of Child Abuse
In a separate incident reported by PUNCH Metro, a generator technician named Yusuf Adebayo was arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl in the Ijebu-Ode area. According to the report, the victim had gone to her aunt’s place for the holiday when Adebayo, a neighbor of the aunt, reportedly carried out the act.
This case further emphasizes the critical need for community awareness and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. It also calls for stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation and abuse.
Conclusion
These incidents serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with positions of authority, whether in religious or professional settings. They also highlight the necessity for robust legal frameworks and community support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable.
