The Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State has arrested a self-acclaimed prophet, Nwankpu James, over the alleged maltreatment of a child accused of witchcraft in Ebonyi State.
The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing the child allegedly being subjected to severe abuse during a supposed spiritual deliverance session in Isohumini Agbaja community, located in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Ebonyi State Police Command, the victim has been rescued and is currently receiving medical care at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, directed operatives to immediately arrest the suspect and ensure the child’s safety after the disturbing footage surfaced online.
Police operatives reportedly tracked down the suspect alongside the child’s parents in the community, leading to the successful rescue of the victim and the arrest of the prophet.
The command confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody while investigations into the alleged child abuse and witchcraft accusation continue.
The Commissioner of Police also warned against all forms of child abuse, inhumane treatment, and violations of children’s rights in Ebonyi State, stressing that the command remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents.
A community source, identified as Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been battling frequent illnesses before the parents reportedly sought spiritual help. The prophet was then said to have accused the child of witchcraft and allegedly subjected the victim to degrading treatment under the guise of deliverance.
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