Port Harcourt, Nigeria— The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph after a viral video showed him allegedly abusing children during a controversial church event.
The video, widely circulated online, depicts about 20 unclad children kneeling with palm leaves while being repeatedly whipped with palm fronds. In the footage, a man is seen beating the children before handing them over to a man and woman dressed in white.
A background narrator alleged the abuse had been ongoing for three days, with the children sustaining visible injuries.
Rivers State Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed on Wednesday that Pastor Ifediorah, 41, organised a three-day programme for the children, claiming it was for “spiritual cleansing” inspired by the Holy Spirit.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives swiftly moved to the scene and arrested the pastor alongside several church members,” she stated, adding that investigations were underway to determine the full circumstances.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, urged the public to remain calm and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
The incident has sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians demanding swift justice for the affected children.
By Makinde oyinkansola|August 14, 2025
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