The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 41-year-old Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph after a viral video allegedly showed him dehumanising more than 20 children in his church.
Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko said Joseph, who is the presiding pastor of a church in the Eneka area of Obio/Akpor Local Government, was caught on video manhandling children aged between one and seven years.
“Rivers State Police Command has taken swift action in response to a distressing online video, circulating on social media, depicting the dehumanisation of minors within a Church setting, where the presiding Pastor, Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph (41), has been arrested in connection with the incident,” she said in a statement.
According to Iringe-Koko, preliminary investigations revealed that the children were allegedly subjected to a three-day programme for “spiritual cleaning” claimed by the pastor to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
She added: “Preliminary investigations reveal that Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organised a 3-day program for children in his Church, purportedly for spiritual cleaning, claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Neighbours, who could not bear what they witnessed, reportedly recorded the incident and shared it on social media in hopes of prompting a rescue operation.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that police operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested the pastor and several church members at the scene. She said a “thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, called on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
He urged: “Members of the public should report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies.”
Adepoju reiterated the command’s “unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors,” and vowed that the police will “continue to work tirelessly to address any issues that may compromise the security and dignity of individuals within the State.”
Blessing Ibunge
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