Rivers Police Arrest Three Church Leaders Over viral Child Whipping Video

Three church leaders in Rivers State have been taken into custody after a disturbing video showing minors being whipped during a so-called “spiritual cleansing” surfaced online.

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 viral footage, which has sparked outrage, shows children between the ages of five and nine being struck repeatedly with palm tree leaves by the cleric in the middle of a church gathering. After each round of whipping, the children were reportedly handed to another church member, who then directed them toward a separate group described as “cleansed.”

At the Eneka Police Station, our correspondent observed that the parents of the children were present and stated they were aware of the ritual and had given their consent.