Rivers State Police in Command have arrested the Pastor of a new generation church, Ifediorah Joseph, for allegedly manhandling about 20 children during a ‘spiritual cleansing’ ritual in Emeka community, Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The children, aged between 5 and 9 years, were brought to the pastor for a three-day deliverance program.
A viral video showed the pastor using palm tree leaves to whip each child on their heads and other body parts.
The children cried out in pain, but the cleric continued whipping them and then threw them to one of his members.
According to the police, the pastor claimed he was led by the Holy Spirit to carry out the deliverance.
In a statement, Grace Iringe-Koko, the State Police Command spokesperson, said the “Rivers State Police Command had taken swift action in response to a distressing online video depicting the dehumanization of minors within a Church setting”.
The Rivers State Police Command in its statement revealed that preliminary investigations showed Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organized a 3-day program for children in his Church, purportedly for “spiritual cleaning,” claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The police arrested the pastor and several church members at the scene.
State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, expressed concern over the development and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation is ongoing.
Adepoju in his statement assured the public that the Command would continue to work tirelessly to address any issues that may compromise the security and dignity of individuals within the State.
The police assured the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations like minors.
