Amanze Chinonye
Rivers State police have arrested a Port Harcourt pastor and two church officials after a disturbing video showing minors being flogged during a so-called “spiritual cleansing” went viral online.
The now-viral footage, recorded by a concerned individual from a nearby location, captures the alleged abuse inside Our Lord Victory Covenant Mission Church in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt shows children aged between one to nine kneeling and clutching palm fronds while being struck repeatedly with palm tree leaves. After each whipping, the children are handed over to another church member, who directs them to a separate group described as “cleansed.”
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Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that operatives raided the church on Thursday, shortly after the video began circulating widely. The presiding pastor, Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, 41, was taken into custody alongside the church’s welfare secretary, Promise Nwikegha, and minister Deborah Ohia.
Divisional Police Officer of Eneka Police Station, Akpo Lewis, also confirmed the arrests, stating that the trio are being held for questioning. “All the children found at the premises have been rescued,” SP Iringe-Koko added.
Speaking to journalists after his arrest, Pastor Joseph defended his actions, claiming the practice was “revelatory” and inspired by scripture. “It was not carried out carnally or by anybody’s inspiration; it was according to the scripture inspiration,” he said. When asked whether using pigeon blood to bathe children was healthy, he responded that it was “a directive of the Holy Spirit.”
Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju has ordered the case to be handled with urgency, warning that no cultural or religious justification can excuse the abuse of children. Authorities have urged residents to report any similar incidents promptly.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
