Pastor arrested for ‘brutalizing’ 90-year-old woman, Chief Imam over witchcraft allegations
The Edo State Police Command has apprehended a pastor and one other individual for allegedly dehumanizing and assaulting Adishetu Atairu, a 90-year-old woman, and Musa Shaibu, the Chief Imam of Ofukpo-Ekperi community, along with six others in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
SP Chidi Nwabuzor, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, confirmed the arrests in Benin City on Thursday. He stated, “The incident is confirmed, and the police are aware of it. The pastor and one other person have been arrested and are currently in police custody. The suspects have been charged to court.”
The alleged dehumanization was captured in a video that has since gone viral on WhatsApp and Facebook. The footage, filmed at night, depicts a crowd led by a man identified as Pastor Sharp-Sharp. In one segment, a young man is seen brutalizing Adishetu Atairu and Musa Shaibu, among others.
The video shows the elderly woman, who relies on a walking stick, being dragged into the middle of the crowd, where she is commanded to sit. As she attempts to comply, another man kicks her legs, causing her to fall to the ground. The Chief Imam is seen in another part of the video, sitting on the bare ground as a young man removes his cap.
Community resident Abu Buhari, who identified Adishetu Atairu as his stepmother, revealed that the incident occurred on July 5, 2024. He reported the case to the police, who requested a petition, leading to the pastor’s arrest by the Police Area Command Office in Agenebode on July 17.
Buhari called on the police and relevant government agencies to intervene to prevent potential communal and religious crises and to ensure justice for the victims. He emphasized that his stepmother and others who were beaten are still in pain.
The Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG) praised the police and other security operatives for addressing the issue promptly. EMEGG coordinator Sirajudeen Muhammad assured Muslims in Edo State and beyond that justice will be served. He noted that the pastor and two others have been charged to court and the case has been adjourned to August 7, 2024, for hearing.
The community remains on edge as it awaits further developments in the case……. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
(DAILY POST)
