Operatives of the Nigeria police Command in River State have arrested Pastor Ifediorah Joseph caught in a viral video physically assaulting 20 children with a horsewhip during ‘spiritual rebirth’ session met to drive away evil spirits from their lives.
The strange incident where children were all stripped naked happened in Emeka Community in Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, the police Command spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-koko said in a statement, Wednesday that the minors were brought to the pastor during a three-day deliverance programme.
The children groan in pain and cried for help during their ordeal trial, but the 41-year-old Cleric continued flogging them.
Thereafter, the Cleric held each child firmly on one hand and throw and throw them to
a members who catch them on the air in the now video in Internet.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police Command has taken swift action in response to a distressing online video, circulating on social media, depicting the dehumanization of minors within a Church setting, where the presiding Pastor, Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, ‘m’ aged 41, has been arrested in connection with the incident .
“Preliminary investigations reveal that 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.
“Upon receiving this information, Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command through coordinated intelligence, arrested the pastor and several Church members at the scene.
“A thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be made public as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, urges the public to remain calm and peaceful while the investigation is ongoing.
He urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies.
The police Commissioner reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors.
“The Command will continue to work tirelessly to address any issues that may compromise the security and dignity of individuals within our State”, the spokesperson assured.
