A self-styled prophet, identified as Nwankpu James, has been taken into police custody in Ebonyi State over the alleged maltreatment and public humiliation of a child accused of witchcraft.
The development was confirmed by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, in a statement released on Tuesday through the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu.
According to the statement, the incident took place in the Isohumini Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
Okafor explained that the arrest followed the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing the child being subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment.
“The operatives of the Command were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child.
“Acting on the directive, operatives traced the suspect and the child’s parents to Isohumini Agbaja Community in Izzi Local Government Area, where the suspect was arrested and the child successfully rescued.
“The suspect is currently in our custody as investigations into the incident continue,” the statement read.
The police commissioner further disclosed that the rescued child had been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent medical care.
She also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to safeguard the rights and welfare of residents, especially children, while condemning every form of abuse and degrading treatment.
A resident of the community, Mather Nwachukwu, claimed that the child had reportedly been battling persistent health challenges, leading the parents to seek spiritual help from the prophet.
The suspect was subsequently accused of labeling the child a witch and allegedly subjecting her to degrading acts under the pretext of carrying out deliverance sessions.