Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of one Jonah Agbenor for allegedly defiling a minor at Ekrokpe.
The Police in Otu-Jeremi Divisional Headquarters in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state revealed in a statement made available to reporters on Thursday, that the culprit was nabbed after an intelligence.
TrackNews Online understands there were controversies over the arrest of Agbenor who is alleged to be a pastor.
The police command said the suspect’s arrest was made possible by the Committee for the Defence of Human Right, CDHR, Orhunwhorhun/Usieffurun Unit who followed up on the matter after a series of arguments.
“Over fifteen pastors have been prevailing on the CDHR not to take up the matter and press charges against the suspect but to let God be the judge,” a part of the statement read.
Reacting to Agbenor’s arrest, the State Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Right, Comrade Israel Joe insisted and asked, “Did Jonah Agbenor realize that God would judge when he was every day sexually abusing the little girl with threats that if she speaks out, she would die?
He urged the Divisional Police Officer, DPO never to compromise on the investigation.
“We are no longer comfortable with his plea for peace. It is a criminal offence and should be transferred to the State Headquarters for further investigations and prosecution,” Joe stressed.
He added: “Being a pastor does not keep one immune from issues of criminal prosecution.”
When contacted on the matter, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Otu-Jeremi Division said, “Am not the Police PRO. So, I cannot talk with you on phone. If you want to come and meet me, meet me in the office.
Daily Post reports that her correspondent who has been following up on the matter reports that the suspect has been transferred to Delta State Police Command, Asaba for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Delta State Police Command led by CP Ari Muhammed Ali confirmed the report through the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe.
“The incident is confirmed but it is you that told me that the man is a pastor. We don’t have information that he is a pastor,” the PPRO said.
He added: “As far as our investigation is concerned, he is not a pastor. So, I don’t have any information whether he is a pastor.”
