The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has disclosed the arrest of a popular cleric, popularly known as an Alfa, over the alleged sexual abuse and pregnancy of a 16-year-old secondary school student in Benin City.
The ministry also disclosed the re-arrest of the teenager’s paternal aunt in connection with the circumstances surrounding the case.
The disturbing incident came to light after some of the girl’s friends became concerned about changes in her condition and reported their suspicions to her school headmistress.
The headmistress subsequently contacted the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, prompting officials to begin investigations into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s condition.
According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, the investigation revealed that the girl was more than five months pregnant at the time authorities became aware of the case.
Abdallah disclosed the development in Benin on Thursday.
How the Case Came to Light
The commissioner explained that the teenager had been living with her paternal aunt, who is her father’s younger sister, following circumstances surrounding the separation of her parents.
According to information gathered during the investigation, the aunt regularly visited the Alfa’s residence for prayers.
On some occasions, the aunt was said to have left the teenager at the cleric’s residence while she went to the market.
The commissioner further alleged that the girl was also regularly sent alone to the Alfa’s residence to run errands.
It was during some of these visits, according to information obtained by the authorities, that the teenager was allegedly sexually abused by the cleric.
The girl reportedly complained to her aunt about physical discomfort following some of the alleged incidents, but her concerns were initially dismissed.
She also reportedly did not realise that she was pregnant until her friends and school authorities became concerned about her condition.
It was the intervention of her friends that eventually brought the matter to the attention of the school headmistress, who contacted the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Alfa, Aunt Arrested
Following the report, officials of the ministry began investigating the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s pregnancy.
The case was subsequently referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, where further support and assessment were provided.
The investigation allegedly led to the arrest of the Alfa and the teenager’s paternal aunt.
The two were subsequently arraigned, according to the commissioner.
However, the aunt, who had initially been granted bail, was later re-arrested by the police and remained in custody alongside the cleric as investigations into the case continued.
The allegations against the cleric and the aunt remain subject to investigation and due legal process.
16-Year-Old Now in Government Care
The teenager has since been placed in a government shelter, where she is receiving care, supervision and support.
Abdallah said the government was making arrangements to ensure that the teenager receives the necessary assistance throughout her pregnancy.
The government is also considering appropriate options for the baby after delivery, including adoption where legally permissible and where such an arrangement is determined to be in the best interests of the child.
The commissioner also disclosed that the girl’s mother was making plans to relocate her to Lagos after delivery.
The relocation is expected to enable the teenager to continue her education and begin rebuilding her life following the traumatic circumstances surrounding the case.
The ministry’s intervention is expected to provide the teenager with continued protection, psychosocial support and access to other necessary services.
Edo Records More Than 70 Child Defilement Cases
The latest case comes weeks after the Edo State Government disclosed that more than 70 cases of child defilement had been recorded across the state between January and July 2026.
The government reportedly said fathers were allegedly responsible for more than half of the reported cases, with many of the affected children between the ages of two and 10.
The figures have raised fresh concerns about child safety and the need for parents, guardians, schools and communities to take reports or warning signs of sexual abuse seriously.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has continued to provide protective care, counselling, psychosocial support and referrals for survivors, while working with security and justice agencies on reported cases.
The latest incident also highlights the importance of early intervention, as the teenager’s friends and school authorities played a crucial role in bringing her condition to the attention of the relevant authorities.
The police investigation into the allegations involving the cleric and the girl’s aunt is ongoing.
Get Real-time Edo State News, Job Alerts and Opportunities
Join our WhatsApp Channel for breaking news, job updates, scholarships, and opportunities in Edo State.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel →
