Police in Rivers State have arrested three church leaders after a viral video emerged showing minors being whipped during a “spiritual cleansing” ceremony.
The Divisional Police Officer of Eneka Police Station, Akpo Lewis, confirmed the arrest of Pastor Ifediorah Joseph, church welfare secretary Promise Nwikegha, and minister Deborah Ohia.
The video, which has sparked outrage online, depicts children aged between five and nine being struck multiple times with palm tree leaves by the cleric, before being handed to another church member who directed them to a separate group described as “cleansed.”
Our correspondent observed at the station that the parents of the children were present and confirmed they were aware of and had consented to the ceremony.
