Police raids church in Lagos, rescues 15 chained individuals
The police in lagos state have raid the church premises of a self-acclaimed pastor in Isheri Osun area of Lagos state. This led to the arrest of the prophet, Sunday Joseph, who chained 15 persons in what was described as a torture camp.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojo was arrested after the Police rescued 15 of the pastor's captives who were chained at No 26 Alafia Street Oriofe Ijegun. It was gathered that about 10 workers in the church were also arrested alongside the pastor in connection with the suspected torture camp. Speaking on the arrest by detectives of the Nigeria Police, the Lagos state spokesperson, Bala Elkana, said the operatives made the arrest after reports from reliable sources proved the pastor was operating a torture camp. Elkana said the operatives led by CSP Chika Ibe, stormed the 'prayer house' at about 6.10 pm where the pastor and his 10 staff were arrested. “15 persons who were chained on the legs, were rescued. Some of the victims were said to have spent five years in the detention camp," Elkana said. He added that the victims between the ages of 19 and 50 were said to have been brought in by their family members for spiritual healing at the ministry. Stating that the ministry had been in operation since 1986, the prophet claimed that some of the victims were brought by their families to seek spiritual help on mental illness and other diseases. “The Prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986. That he chained the victims in order to prevent them from escaping from the home," he said. Assuring the general public that investigation into the matter was still ongoing, Elkana said the Nigeria police is working closely with relevant agencies to provide adequate medical attention and shelter to the victims. The Police said some women have been arrested in connection with the abduction of the children who are between the ages of two and four.