File image Jonathan Ogbe, a member of the National Youth Service Corps attached to the Asamabiri Community Primary School in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has deserted his one-year compulsory national service after being implicated of defiling a 12-year-old student.

The accused corps member has because declined to pick up his discharge certificate to avoid being jailed and turned over to the authorities for possible prosecution.

Spokesperson for the NYSC in Bayelsa, Mathew Ngobua, confirmed that Ogbe had absconded after news of the incident came to light.

He stated “The implicated has actually deserted service and all his numbers which of his near relative are not obtainable. He has not even got his discharge certificate for service.”

According to father of the victim, Nelson Gbaranbiri, his other half brought his attention to some odd discharge discovered in the underwear of his 12-year-old daughter while doing her laundry.

He stated, “My partner brought my attention to the discharges and stains she usually discovers in the trousers of my daughter. When I inquired about what took place to her private part, she told me that ‘uncle’ will beat her.”

In a petition forwarded to the Commissioner of Police in the state and outdated September 3, 2021, counsel to the victim’s family, A.O. Aniso, specified, “When the implicated corps member was confronted with the victim’s claim, he admitted being accountable and pleaded for forgiveness.

“And seeing that the small was physically distressed and required medical attention, the parents took her to the community medical centre and their worst fears were confirmed.

“After the medical verification, the household again faced the corps member of his misdeed and he apologised a lot even offering N50, 000 to cover medical treatment. This is a criminal act and he has brought fantastic pity to my client’s family.”

Chairperson of Gender Response Initiative Team in the state, Dise Ogbise, said they will work with the police to guarantee justice prevailed on the matter.

“As GRIT, Bayelsa State, we will not relax and we will give the child all the essential legal and psychological assistance required,” Ogbise said.

ToriNG