The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a self-styled prophet, Nwankpu James, for allegedly abusing and humiliating a child accused of witchcraft.
Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, announced the arrest on Tuesday, stating that the incident took place in Isohumini Agbaja community, Izzi Local Government Area.
According to Ms Okafor, the prophet’s actions came to light through a viral video, in which the child was seen being maltreated in an abusive and inhuman manner.
“Operatives were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” she said. “Acting on this directive, officers traced the suspect and the child’s parents to Isohumini Agbaja, where the prophet was arrested and the child successfully rescued. The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.”
The rescued child has since been admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent medical attention.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly children, and issued a strong warning against all forms of child abuse and inhumane acts.
A resident, Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been suffering from frequent illness, prompting her parents to seek spiritual intervention from the prophet. However, the prophet reportedly accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to humiliating practices under the guise of deliverance.