The Rivers State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a 41-year-old Pastor, Ifediorah Joseph for allegedly flogging about 20 children in the name of spiritual cleansing in Emeka community in Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Reports say the children were seen in a viral video, all completely naked, aged between five and nine years being flogged by the pastor using palm tree leaves to whip each of the minors severally on their heads and other parts of the body.
The State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, says the pastor claimed he was led by the Holy Spirit to carry out a 3-day deliverance program for children in his Church
Iringe-Koko says a thorough investigation is underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and further updates will be made public.