Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State have arrested a self-proclaimed prophet, Mr Nwankpu James, following a viral video in which a child accused of witchcraft was allegedly subjected to severe abuse.
The child has since been rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, FETHA, according to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor.
The statement, issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday and signed by Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu, said the incident occurred in Isohumini Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
Authorities said the arrest was triggered after the circulation of the disturbing video showing the child being maltreated in an inhumane manner under the guise of spiritual deliverance.
“The operatives of the Command were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” the statement read.
It added that acting on the directive, police operatives traced both the suspect and the child’s parents to the community, where the prophet was apprehended and the victim successfully rescued.
The police confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens, especially children, warning against all forms of child abuse and degrading treatment.
Meanwhile, a resident identified as Mr Mather Nwachukwu alleged that the child had been experiencing frequent illness, which reportedly led the parents to seek spiritual intervention.
He further claimed that the prophet accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to abusive and humiliating practices in the name of deliverance.
