From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, aged 41, for allegedly dehumanising children in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Joseph’s arrest followed a video showing the dehumanisation of minors circulating on social media.
In the video, the children were holding palm leaves, and all the males were stark naked, while the cleric flogged them with the leaves, purportedly carrying out a “spiritual cleansing”.
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The source who recorded the video of the pastor and two of his church members carrying out the exercise said he was attracted by the persistent crying of toddlers in the compound.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), preliminary investigations revealed that the self-styled cleric allegedly organised a three-day programme for children in his church, purportedly for “spiritual cleansing”, claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Iringe-Koko noted that upon receiving the information, operatives from the Command, through coordinated intelligence, arrested the pastor and several church members at the scene.
The spokesperson added that a thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She assured that further updates would be made public as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors.
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