Ebonyi Police Arrest Self-Styled Prophet Over Alleged Abuse of Child Accused of Witchcraft

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed prophet, Mr Nwankpu James, over the alleged abuse and humiliation of a child accused of witchcraft.

The Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abakaliki by the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu.

According to Okafor, the incident occurred in the Isohumini Agbaja community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.

She said the arrest followed the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing the child being subjected to inhumane and abusive treatment by the suspect.

“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,” she said.

The police commissioner added that the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.

She also disclosed that the rescued child had been admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), for medical attention.

Okafor reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of citizens, especially children, and warned against all forms of child abuse and inhumane treatment.

A resident of the area, Mr Mather Nwachukwu, alleged that the child had been suffering from frequent illness, leading her parents to seek spiritual help from the prophet.

According to him, the suspect allegedly accused the child of witchcraft and subjected her to degrading treatment under the guise of deliverance.