Prophet in Ebonyi arrested on suspicion of abusing a child accused ofwitchcraft

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State have taken into custody a self‑styled prophet, Mr Nwankpu James, after a video that went viral showed a child accused of witchcraft being severely abused.

The child was rescued and is now receiving medical care at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, confirmed.

The statement, issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday and signed by Police Public Relations Officer SP Joshua Ukandu, indicated that the incident occurred in the Isohumini Agbaja community of Izzi Local Government Area.

Authorities said the arrest followed the circulation of a disturbing video that depicted the child being maltreated in an inhumane manner under the pretext of spiritual deliverance.

“The operatives of the Command were immediately directed to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” the statement read.

Acting on that directive, police traced both the suspect and the child’s parents to the community, where the prophet was apprehended and the victim was rescued.

The police confirmed that the suspect remains in custody while investigations into the circumstances of the case continue.

Commissioner of Police Hope Okafor reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of citizens, especially children, and warned against any form of child abuse or degrading treatment.

A resident identified as Mr Mather Nwachukwu said the child had been suffering frequent illnesses, which prompted the parents to seek spiritual intervention.

He added that the prophet accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to abusive and humiliating practices in the name of deliverance.