The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed prophet, Nwankpu James, over the alleged abuse and humiliation of a child accused of witchcraft in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the incident occurred in the Isohumini Agbaja community.
Okafor explained that the suspect was apprehended following the circulation of a viral video showing the child being subjected to what she described as abusive and inhumane treatment.
According to the police commissioner, operatives of the command were immediately directed to rescue the victim and arrest those involved.
“The operatives of the command were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” she stated.
She added that officers subsequently traced the suspect and the child’s parents to the community, where the prophet was arrested and the victim rescued.
“The suspect is currently in custody while investigations into the incident continue,” Okafor said.
The police commissioner further disclosed that the rescued child had been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for urgent medical attention.
She reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of citizens, particularly children, warning against all forms of child abuse and degrading treatment.
Meanwhile, a resident of the community, identified as Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been battling recurring illness, prompting the parents to seek spiritual help from the suspect.
The resident claimed the prophet later accused the child of witchcraft and allegedly subjected the victim to humiliating practices under the guise of deliverance.
