Man Flogged To Death Over Alleged Rape Of Minor In Bayelsa

A 47-year-old man, identified as Mr. Emi Sigah, has died after he was allegedly subjected to a traditional flogging in Ekowe community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following accusations that he sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, has sparked concern about the use of informal justice mechanisms to address serious criminal allegations.

According to residents, Ekowe community maintains a longstanding custom in which individuals accused of certain offences, particularly sexual crimes considered sacrilegious, are punished through caning administered by representatives of its 12 families. The practice involves 10 strokes from each family, amounting to 120 strokes.

Sources said the victim, whose identity has been withheld, had accompanied her aunt to a nearby farm to harvest okra when the suspect allegedly attacked her in a nearby bush while the aunt walked ahead.

The suspect was reportedly caught at the scene by members of the community.

In line with the local practice, he was subjected to the flogging but reportedly collapsed after about 40 strokes. He was later confirmed dead.

It was further gathered that some individuals attempted to halt the punishment, allegedly offering between ₦15,000 and ₦50,000 as alternatives, but community youths insisted the full sanction be carried out as a deterrent.

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr. Target Segibo, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ayebaitari Easterday, said calm has since returned to the area following the intervention of council officials and security operatives.

He disclosed that the youth president of the community and three other persons have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa.

According to the statement, police officers from Oporoma, the LGA headquarters, alongside council authorities, evacuated the deceased’s body to the Federal Medical Centre mortuary in Yenagoa.

The council condemned the actions of the youths, describing them as inconsistent with lawful procedures for handling criminal cases.

“As much as the Council does not condone the alleged attempted rape of the minor, the action of the youths is alien,” the statement read.

“It would have only been commendable if they had reported the matter to security agencies for the law to take its course.”

The statement added that the council chairman, who is currently out of the state, was represented by a delegation led by the Special Adviser on Security Matters, while security agencies helped prevent the situation from escalating.