Step-Father Arrested by Bayelsa Mob for Allegedly Defiling 12-Year-Old Stepdaughter

Victim rushed to hospital with severe injuries as community hands suspect to Rapid Response Unit

Residents of Obunagha community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, have arrested a 40-year-old man accused of defiling and sodomising his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

The suspect, a bricklayer, was reportedly beaten by angry youths in the community before being handed over to the Bayelsa State Rapid Response Unit (RRU) at Dor Akpor.

The victim was rushed to Niger Delta University Hospital, Okolobiri, with severe injuries, including bleeding, sources said.

The girl’s father, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the incident as “sad” and said he was considering prosecuting the suspect.

Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson Musa Mohammed confirmed the arrest but said the details were still sketchy.

“Yes, the suspect is currently with the State Rapid Response unit, Dor Akpor, and I’ll get you the details once the matter is transferred to the command,” he told journalists.

Civil society raises alarm over rising cases of child sexual abuse

The incident has drawn concern from gender-based organisations in the state, with Dr Dise Harry, founder of the Do Foundation, describing the case as alarming.

She said the organisation has recorded multiple incidents of child sexual abuse in recent months, including three cases involving stepfathers between December 2025 and January 2026.

“Between January and now, we have recorded three cases of sexual abuse of children and the perpetrators are step fathers to these innocent young girls,” she said.

Dr Harry urged urgent collaboration among stakeholders to prevent further abuse, calling on the Bayelsa police command to thoroughly investigate and prosecute perpetrators.

“We are, therefore, calling on the Bayelsa State police command to thoroughly investigate all the matters and let these paedophiles face prosecution,” she added.