By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE RIVERS State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a self-acclaimed cleric, identified as 41-year-old Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, in connection with the alleged maltreatment of children within his church premises in Port Harcourt.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video online showing at least 20 minors kneeling while a man flogged them with palm fronds. Several of the children appeared unclad in the footage.
The video, recorded inside the church, showed the minors being whipped and handled by adults during what witnesses described as a prolonged ordeal spanning several days.
In the recording, a man tossed the children towards two individuals dressed in white after flogging them.
A voice in the background alleged that the children had sustained marks on their bodies and that the incident had persisted for three consecutive days.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations revealed that Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organised a three-day programme for children in his church under the theme of “spiritual cleaning,” claiming divine inspiration for the event.
She stated that upon receiving intelligence, operatives of the Command moved to the scene and arrested the pastor along with several church members.
According to Iringe-Koko, a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, with further information to be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course.
He appealed for vigilance and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest police station or security agency.
Iringe-Koko emphasised that the Command remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of all residents, especially vulnerable groups such as minors, and will continue to take measures to address any actions that threaten the safety or dignity of individuals in the state.
Authorities have not disclosed the total number of children involved or the current condition of those rescued, but the police said they are prioritising their safety as part of the ongoing investigation.
