The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, disclosed this in Benin City on Thursday while providing an update on the case.
According to Abdallah, the teenager had been living with her paternal aunt following the separation of her parents. The aunt reportedly frequented the residence of the Alfa for prayers and allegedly left the girl in his care on several occasions while attending to personal errands.
The commissioner said the aunt also regularly sent the teenager alone to the cleric’s residence for various tasks, despite having adult sons who could have performed the errands.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the girl was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by the cleric. The victim reportedly complained of physical discomfort to her aunt, but her concerns were allegedly dismissed as menstrual irregularities or imagined symptoms.
The situation came to light after some of the girl’s schoolmates noticed changes in her appearance and raised concerns with their headmistress, who subsequently alerted the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Further investigations by the ministry revealed that the teenager was already more than five months pregnant before the matter was formally reported.
Abdallah alleged that after the pregnancy was discovered, the aunt attempted to pressure the girl into terminating it. The teenager reportedly contacted her parents, leading to intervention by relevant authorities.
The case was referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), resulting in the arrest and arraignment of both the cleric and the aunt. Although the aunt was initially granted bail, she was later re-arrested and remains in police custody alongside the cleric as investigations continue.
The commissioner disclosed that the teenager is currently receiving care at a government shelter, where arrangements are being made to ensure a safe delivery under professional supervision.
She added that discussions are ongoing regarding the future care of the baby, including possible adoption, subject to legal procedures and the best interests of the child.
According to Abdallah, the victim’s mother is making plans to relocate her to Lagos after childbirth to enable her continue her education and begin a new chapter in life.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence through counselling, psychosocial support, protective services and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
She also expressed concern over the growing incidence of child sexual abuse in the state, noting that the ministry recorded more than 70 cases of incestuous defilement between January and July 2026. According to ministry records, fathers were allegedly responsible for nearly half of the reported cases involving children aged between two and 10 years.
The development has renewed calls for stronger child protection measures, increased public awareness and more effective reporting mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable children.
