By SUNDAY JOHN

The Police Command in Nasarawa State says it has detained a 37-year-old pastor for alleged defilement of a minor.

SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated this in a statement on Sunday in Lafia.

The PPRO said that the suspect was apprehended by the operatives attached to Karshi Divisional Headquarters for defiling a 16-year-old girl.

“The arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Division on April 18, 2026, at about 8:00pm.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “possessed” and required cleansing at a river.

“He instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anybody,” Nansel added.

The police spokesperson explained that the crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her.

He further said that the guardian thereafter took the victim for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency,” he said.

Nansel stated that Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police (CP), directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

The PPRO therefore assured that justice would be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding the places of worship they attend and the individuals who present themselves as clerics. (NAN)