The Rivers State Police Command has arrested Pastor Ifediorah Joseph and four members of his church following the emergence of a disturbing video showing young children being flogged during a religious ritual in Port Harcourt.
The viral footage, widely circulated on social media, shows partially unclothed minors, aged between five and nine, being whipped with palm fronds as part of what was described as a “spiritual cleansing” exercise.
The incident occurred at Our Lord Victory Covenant Mission Church in Eneka, led by Pastor Joseph.
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered an immediate investigation upon viewing the video.
Officers from the Eneka Division promptly acted on intelligence and apprehended the pastor along with four church leaders allegedly involved in the ritual.
Those arrested include; Pastor Ifediorah Joseph (lead pastor), promise Nwikegha (church welfare secretary), Deborah Ohia (minister) and Two additional unnamed members.
In an unexpected twist, several parents of the affected children arrived at the Eneka Police Station in support of the embattled cleric.
Singing and chanting, they insisted the event was consensual and not abusive.
One parent, Mrs. Ngozi Uzoma, told journalists that the children were participating in a harmless spiritual exercise, claiming the ritual was part of their religious beliefs and conducted with parental consent.
Pastor Joseph speaking after his arrest, maintained that the event was divinely inspired.
“I acted under the direction of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
When questioned about reports that the children were bathed in pigeon blood, he stated it was part of a spiritual purification process approved by the children’s parents.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has joined the investigation, citing potential child abuse concerns.
NAPTIP Intelligence Officer Komani Timipire stressed that parental consent does not negate a child’s right to protection under the law.
“This matter is being treated seriously. The rights and safety of children are non-negotiable,” she said.
The footage that triggered public outrage featured Children being struck multiple times by the pastor, Each child being led to another group referred to as “cleansed” and visible distress on the faces of the minors.
