Authorities in Rivers State, Nigeria have detained three church leaders after a viral video surfaced showing minors being whipped during what was described as a “spiritual cleansing” ritual.
The arrests were confirmed by Akpo Lewis, Divisional Police Officer of Eneka Police Station.Those taken into custody are Pastor Ifediorah Joseph, church welfare secretary Promise Nwikegha, and minister Deborah Ohia.
In the widely circulated footage, a cleric is seen striking children, aged between five and nine, with palm fronds.
Following multiple lashes, each child is handed over to another church member and sent to a separate group, referred to as “cleansed.”
According to reports, the children’s parents were present during the ritual and had given their consent.
Speaking to journalists after his arrest, Pastor Joseph insisted the “spiritual cleansing” was not his own idea but a divine instruction.
“It was not carried out carnally or by any human inspiration; it was according to scripture’s inspiration,” he said.
When questioned about the use of pigeon blood in another ritual to bathe the children, the pastor replied, “It was a directive of the Holy Spirit,” identifying his church as Our Lord Victory Command Mission.
