The Rivers State Police Command has taken into custody 41-year-old Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph following the circulation of a deeply troubling viral video allegedly depicting him abusing several children during a controversial church programme held in Port Harcourt.
According to reports, the shocking footage, which has been widely shared across various social media platforms, reveals the harrowing scene of at least 20 children, many of whom appeared unclad, forced to kneel on the ground while clutching palm leaves in their hands. In the disturbing clip, the children were seen being repeatedly flogged with palm fronds in what has now sparked nationwide condemnation.
The video further shows the man, believed to be the pastor in question, striking the children multiple times before physically handing them over to a man and a woman, both dressed in white garments, whose roles in the incident remain unclear. Eyewitness accounts captured in the background audio suggest that the disturbing acts had been taking place continuously for a period of three days. It was further alleged that the children displayed visible injuries and whip marks on their bodies, with one claim stating that a basin filled with blood was also present at the scene.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that Pastor Ifediorah defended his actions by claiming that the three-day programme was a “spiritual cleaning” session, which he insisted had been inspired by the Holy Spirit. She explained that the arrest of the pastor, along with several members of his congregation, was successfully carried out following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has urged members of the public to remain calm and to promptly report any suspicious religious or non-religious activities to the authorities. He assured that the police command has already commenced a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the matter, with the aim of ensuring that justice is served without delay.
The case has generated widespread public outrage, with a significant number of Nigerians taking to social media and other platforms to demand swift and decisive legal action against all those involved, stressing the need to protect vulnerable children from further harm.