Cross River, Nigeria – The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old pastor and the mother of a 13-year-old girl following the teenager’s alleged death after a severe flogging over accusations of stealing ₦30,000.
The incident occurred in Obanleku Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where the victim, identified as Nancy Peter, was reportedly accused by her mother of taking ₦30,000 from their home.
According to reports, Nancy’s mother, Agnes Peter, allegedly took her daughter to the residence of a local pastor, Roman Samson, for disciplinary action after the missing money was discovered. It was gathered that the teenager later admitted to taking the money and allegedly revealed where it had been hidden.
The pastor is said to have administered multiple strokes of a horsewhip, commonly known as a koboko, during the punishment session. Reports indicate that the teenager became weak and unresponsive during the flogging.
Speaking during preliminary investigations, the pastor reportedly claimed that he only disciplined the girl at the request of her mother and that he rushed her to a nearby hospital when her condition deteriorated. However, medical personnel later confirmed her death.
The victim’s mother has reportedly denied authorizing excessive punishment, insisting that she only wanted the pastor to counsel and reprimand her daughter over the alleged theft.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said both the pastor and the mother have been taken into custody while investigations continue. Police authorities assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
