The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed prophet, Nwankpu James, over alleged child abuse captured in a viral video circulating on social media.
The Command disclosed that the suspect was seen in the video carrying and handling a child in what it described as an abusive and inhumane manner while the child lay on bare ground.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed operatives of the Command to track down the suspect and ensure the rescue of the child.
According to the statement, police operatives traced the suspect and the child’s parents to Isohumini Agbaja Community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state, where the suspect was arrested.
“The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, has arrested one Nwankpu James following a viral video in which the suspect was seen carrying and handling a child in an abusive and inhumane manner while the child lay on bare ground.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Hope Urunwa Okafor, immediately directed operatives of the Command to ensure the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child,” the statement read.
The police further disclosed that the rescued child had been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) for immediate medical attention, while investigations into the incident continue.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of citizens, particularly children, and warned against all forms of child abuse and inhumane treatment.
“The suspect is currently in custody as investigations into the incident continue. Meanwhile, the rescued child has been admitted to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki for immediate medical attention,” the statement added.
The Command assured residents that it would continue to clamp down on individuals involved in acts capable of endangering the welfare and safety of children in the state.
