Nigerian Parents Defend Rivers Pastor Accused of Abusing Children During “Spiritual Cleansing”

Nigerian Parents Defend Rivers Pastor Accused of Abusing Children During “Spiritual Cleansing”

The Nigerian world

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A shocking case in Rivers State has sparked outrage after a viral video showed Pastor Ifediorah Joseph flogging naked children during a so-called “spiritual cleansing” ritual.

The pastor was arrested by police, but in a surprising turn, several parents of the abused minors have come forward to defend him.

They claim they gave full permission for the pastor to “purify” their children using flogging, pigeon blood, water, and palm fruit.

The ritual reportedly lasted three days and was intended to ward off death and evil spirits.

Following the arrest, some parents and children even gathered at the police station in Port Harcourt, singing and dancing in support of the embattled cleric.

Officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) condemned the act, calling it a clear case of child abuse.

They emphasized that the parents themselves need counseling to understand the psychological and legal harm inflicted on their children.

This is totally wrong in the name of religion to those kids. So all this in the name of religious cleansing ?🤦🏽‍♂️😢

A Pastor Seen beating kids in his church at Eneka area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State🙆🙆🙆 pic.twitter.com/SlMQjjXAOy

— Ozo🌠 (@Ozorbig1) August 13, 2025