Prophet arrested as police rescues 15 people chained in Lagos Church since 2014

15 people chained in an illegal rehabilitation center that also serves as a church have been rescued by officers attached to the Lagos State Police Command. 

Some of the victims between the ages of 19-50 who were rescued from Blessings of Godness Healing Church in Isheri Osun community of Egbe Idimu on Thursday October 31, have reportedly been chained at the center since 2014 after suffering some health challenges their families thought were spiritual attacks. 

Lagos Police spokesman Bala Elkana who confirmed the rescue mission said a 58-year-old Prophet, Sunday Joseph Ojo and 10 others were arrested. The Prophet reportedly told the police that he has been in the healing ministry since 1986 and kept the inmates in chain to prevent their escape. 

“On 30/10/2019 at about 1810hrs, acting on information from a reliable source, a team of detectives from Isheri Osun Police Station led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Chike Ibe stormed a prayer House used as detention camp at No 26 Alafia Street, Oriofe Ijegun Isheri, where the Prophet, Sunday Joseph Ojo ‘m’ 58years old and 10 others were arrested. Fifteen persons who were chained on the legs, were rescued” the statement read. 

“Some of the victims were said to have spent five years in the detention camp. The victims are between ages 19 and 50, males and females. Some of them where brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases.

“The Prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986. That he chained the in order to prevent escape. Investigation is ongoing. Police are working closely with other agencies of government to provide adequate medical attention and shelter to the victims.”