Police in Cross River State have arrested a pastor following the death of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly flogged after being accused of stealing money.
The incident happened in Obanleku community in Boki Local Government Area and has sparked outrage among residents.
According to police, the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Roman Samson, is being investigated over the death of Nancy Peter, who was accused of taking ₦30,000 belonging to her mother.
Nancy’s mother, Agnes Peter, said she took her daughter to the pastor on 1 June for counselling after discovering that money kept in her home had gone missing.
She said the teenager admitted taking the money and revealed where it had been hidden.
“I left to confirm what she had told us, and I found the money where she said it was,” Mrs Peter said.
According to her, she was returning to the pastor’s residence when she met him taking Nancy to hospital.
“I met them on the road. I didn’t know he had beaten her,” she said.
The teenager was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The pastor is reported to have admitted flogging the girl but denied intending to kill her.
He allegedly told investigators that he gave the teenager between 13 and 15 strokes with a horsewhip after her mother complained about repeated incidents of theft.
The suspect said he rushed the girl to a medical facility after noticing that she had become weak, but doctors later confirmed her death.
Police have confirmed the pastor’s arrest and said investigations are continuing.
The case has renewed concerns about the use of corporal punishment and the treatment of children accused of wrongdoing.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigators determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
