Police officers have arrested a pastor and one other for alleged dehumanization of a 90-year-old woman identified as Adishetu Atairu, and seven others in Edo state.
The Chief Imam of Ofukpo-Ekperi community in Etsako Central Local Government was among those brutalised in the ‘cleansing’ ritual conducted by the Christian clergyman.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Chidi Nwabuzor told newsmen on Thursday in Benin City that the suspects have been identified and some are in custody including the pastor.
A video which circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook captured the alleged dehumanization of the eight victims which occurred in the night.
One Pastor Sharp-Sharp led the group that assaulted the woman in her 90s, an old man said to be the Imam of the community, Musa Shaibu and six others over the allegations of practicing witchcraft.
They dragged the old woman who was using a walking stick, to the middle of the crowd with a young man yelling at her to sit down.
Pastor Sharp-Sharp proceeded to command her to sit on the floor, even as another young man was kicking her legs, leaving her crumbling to the ground.
The Chief Imam of the community, was, however, seen in another video sitting on the bare ground with a young man removing his cap.
Police spokesperson, Nwabuzor also confirmed in a statement that the cleric and one of attackers have been arraigned in court.
He said; “The incident is confirmed, the police are aware of it. The Pastor and one other person have been arrested and they are in police custody. The suspects have been charged to court.”
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