The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Nwankpu James, a self-acclaimed prophet, over the alleged abuse and humiliation of a child accused of witchcraft.
The command’s Commissioner, CP Hope Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on the development on Tuesday.
In the statement signed by Joshua Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police and Spokesman of the Command, she said that the incident occurred in Isohumini Agbaja community, Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
Okafor said that the arrest followed the actions of the prophet in a viral video, where the child was being maltreated in an abusive and inhuman manner.
She said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the rescued child has been admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) for immediate medical attention, the statement disclosed.
Okafor reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly children, and strongly warned against all forms of child abuse and inhumane acts.
A resident in the area, Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been suffering from frequent illness, prompting her parents to seek spiritual intervention from the prophet.
The prophet was, however, alleged to have accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to humiliating practices in the guise of deliverance.
