The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a clergyman, Pastor Ifediorah Joseph, over the alleged dehumanization of minors during a church programme in Port Harcourt.
The arrest followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media showing children being subjected to degrading treatment in a church setting.
Police identified the suspect as the 41-year-old presiding pastor of the church where the incident occurred.
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A deeply unsettling video had surfaced online, capturing a man, reportedly a pastor, viciously flogging several children, most of whom were stripped naked, within the premises of a church located in the Eneka area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The footage, seen on Wednesday, shows the children, some appearing to be toddlers, screaming in pain as they are beaten.
A basin filled with a red liquid resembling blood is visibly present at the scene, adding to the horror of the incident.
The narrator in the video raises further alarm, suggesting that the condition of the children and the environment in which they were found may indicate possible abduction or unlawful detention.
“For three days now, they have been bringing these children. Only God knows if they kidnapped these children or whatever. I don’t know. This is supposed to be a church,” the narrator said.
“But for three days now, there’s blood in that basin. They’ll flog these children, naked them, both boys and girls. Flog these children. And this is day three.”
The narrator added that residents initially thought the event was a children’s camp but soon realised it was prolonged physical abuse.
“This is out of hand. This is Port Harcourt, Eneka area. The children are crying. They are beating them, as you can see.
“The man is still flogging. And that’s how it has been going on for days now. Some of the children already have marks on their bodies,” the narrator added.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Thursday said Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organized a three-day programme for children, claiming it was for “spiritual cleaning” inspired by the Holy Spirit.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the church, rescued the victims, and arrested the pastor along with several church members.
“Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the full circumstances behind the incident.
He called on residents to remain calm, report suspicious activities, and trust in the command’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially minors,” she stated.
She reaffirmed that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
