Police arrest church leaders caught on video flogging unclad children in church during “spiritual cleansing”

Sunday, August 17, 2025 -The Federal Government has vowed to prosecute a Port Harcourt-based pastor and some members of his church involved in flogging unclad children in a religious ritual described as “spiritual cleansing”.

Pastor Ifediorah Joseph of Our Lord Victory Covenant Mission Church, Eneka allegedly organised the three-day programme, claiming that it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The amateur footage which went viral on the social media shows the 41-year-old pastor striking the children while other church members look on.

A statement signed by Mr. Jonathan Eze, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the act as “barbaric, criminal, and a gross violation of the Child Rights Act.

She said the rescued children were receiving care and support under protective custody in line with the Act.

“Whether by strangers, community leaders or parents, any individual or group found culpable of such heinous acts will be held accountable under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

“This includes any parent or guardian who aided or condoned the abuse,” she said.

The minister commended the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their swift response and deployment to rescue and safeguard the affected children.

She also acknowledged the role of vigilant citizens who recorded and exposed the abuse, noting that “their courage embodies the spirit of our ‘See Something, Say Something’. We will do something. campaign.”

The minister, however, urged the public to report such cases directly to the Nigerian Police, NAPTIP, or other relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure swift intervention without compromising rescue efforts or the privacy of the victims.

She further reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to addressing any form of abuse, neglect and exploitation, particularly that which targets vulnerable children.

“We will not rest until Nigeria becomes a safe place for every child to grow, dream, and thrive.

“The soul of our nation depends on how we protect its future – our children,” the minister said.