Pastor Beats 13-Year-Old Girl To Death In Cross River Over ₦30,000

The Cross River State command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested a pastor, Roman Samson, and a woman, Agnes Peter, following the death of her 13-year-old daughter, Nancy Peter, who was allegedly flogged over a missing ₦30,000.

Naija News understands that the incident reportedly occurred in Obanleku Community, Boki Local Government Area of the state, after the mother took the girl to the pastor’s house over allegations that she stole the money.

Nancy, who was said to be a secondary school pupil, reportedly died after being beaten with a horsewhip by the pastor, who is the founder and General Overseer of Goodness of Jesus Ministry.

According to Vanguard, Police sources said the incident began on June 1, 2026, when Agnes discovered that the ₦30,000 she kept at home was missing and accused her daughter of taking it.

A source at the Homicide Section of the state police command said the woman took the teenager to the pastor for discipline.

“The woman took her 13-year-old daughter to her pastor’s house for stealing. She complained that she had kept ₦30,000 at home and could not find the money when she needed it. She accused her daughter of stealing the money.

“The woman left the poor girl with the pastor and went home. By the time she returned, the pastor had flogged the girl to death with a horsewhip. He took her to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead,” the source said.

I Didn’t Tell Him To Kill Her – Mother

Agnes, however, told detectives that she only took her daughter to the pastor for counselling and prayers.

She said, “It is true that I took my daughter to the pastor after I discovered that my ₦30,000 was missing from where I kept it. That was not the first time my daughter had stolen my money, and it was not the first time I reported her to the pastor.

“That day, I took her to my pastor’s house when she refused to disclose where she kept my money. While we were at the pastor’s house, she confessed to stealing the money and even told me that she kept it in one of her trousers.

“I quickly stood up to go and confirm where she kept the money, and I found my ₦30,000 in the pocket of one of her trousers.”

The grieving mother insisted that the pastor had not beaten Nancy when she left the house to check for the money.

“The pastor had not beaten her when I left to search for where she said she kept the money. It was while I was returning that I saw him rushing my daughter to the hospital. I met him on the way.

“I didn’t tell him to kill my daughter. I have reported her to the pastor before, and I only wanted him to scold and counsel her. I was not there when he beat my daughter to death. I only saw him taking her to the hospital,” she added.

Samson, 45, gave a different account, saying the woman asked him to discipline the teenager.

He said he had known the family for about four years and had supported them after the woman allegedly had marital problems with her husband.

“I started my own ministry some years back. I met Mrs Peter about four years ago when she had a misunderstanding with her husband. She had three children for the husband, but she was sent away by the man.

“When the woman came, she had nothing. She was rejected by her husband with two children. I began to fund their schooling and upkeep,” he said.

The pastor claimed that Nancy had repeatedly stolen from her mother and that he had intervened several times in the past.

“The girl had been stealing her mother’s money. Each time she complained, I would appeal to her to remain calm. I would call the girl and scold her. That happened more than 20 times,” he said.

She Became Weak After 15 Strokes – Pastor

Samson admitted to using a horsewhip on the teenager but denied intending to kill her.

“On the day she brought the girl to my house, she complained that she had stolen her money again. She also complained that her daughter was in the habit of sleeping away from home. She told me that the girl stole her ₦30,000 and asked me to beat her.

“I went for my horsewhip and started beating her. I only gave her about 13 to 15 strokes when I discovered that the girl became very weak. I quickly rushed her to the hospital, but she died by the time we got there,” he said.

The cleric expressed regret over the incident, saying the deceased was like a daughter to him.

“I feel very sad. I didn’t want to kill her. It was her mum who insisted that I must beat her. She was like a daughter to me,” he added.

Police Begin Investigation

Naija News understands that the death has generated outrage in the community, with residents demanding justice for the teenager.

The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed the arrest of the pastor and the mother, adding that an investigation had commenced.

“The Command notes that the successes recorded by its operatives in various operations are a testament to the professionalism, bravery, and dedication of officers and men who continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies in denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate,” he said.

He added that the command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, remained committed to protecting lives and property in the state.

“The Cross River State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Rashid Afegbua, assures residents of its commitment to sustaining the ongoing offensive against criminality and dismantling all criminal networks operating within the state and its environs.

“The Command therefore urges members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information, which remains critical to the collective effort of safeguarding lives and property,” the statement added.