Spiritualist Arrested for Flogging 20 Children During ‘Spiritual Cleansing’ in Rivers
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, 41, of a new generation church in Emeka community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, after a viral video emerged showing him dehumanizing about 20 children in the name of “spiritual cleansing.”
According to reports, the children, all aged between five and nine, were brought to the pastor for a three-day deliverance programme.
As part of the so-called ritual, they were completely stripped naked, whipped repeatedly on their heads and bodies with palm tree leaves, then grabbed by one arm and thrown roughly to church members, who caught them in midair. Once declared “cleansed,” the children were placed in a line while others awaited the same painful process.
The video, which caused public outrage, captured the children crying and groaning in pain while the flogging continued. One parent, who arrived after hearing their child’s wails, was rebuked and chased away by the pastor for attempting to stop the abuse.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said that, acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the church, rescued the children, and arrested the man along with several church members. He claimed he was “led by the Holy Spirit” to perform the deliverance.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue. He called on citizens to report any suspicious or harmful activities involving children to security agencies for immediate action.
This incident constitutes serious violations of child’s rights, including the right to protection from all forms of violence; the right to dignity and freedom from degrading treatment; the right to privacy, which was grossly violated when the children were stripped naked.
Also, the right to be free from harmful religious or cultural exploitation, and the right to parental care and protection, which were denied when a parent who tried to intervene after hearing their child’s cries was rebuked and chased away. Every child has the right to grow up safe, respected, and free from violence.
