The Edo State Police Command has arrested a pastor and another individual for allegedly dehumanizing and brutalizing a 90-year-old woman, Adishetu Atairu, the Chief Imam of Ofukpo-Ekperi community, Musa Shaibu, and six others in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
The incident was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who stated that the suspects are in police custody and have been charged to court.
The brutalization was captured in a video that went viral on WhatsApp and Facebook, showing a crowd led by a man identified as Pastor Sharp-Sharp. In the footage, a young man is seen attacking Adishetu Atairu, forcing her to sit on the ground. The video also shows the Chief Imam, Musa Shaibu, being humiliated, with a young man removing his cap while he sat on the ground. Additionally, a young woman in a hijab was accused by the pastor of causing deaths through diabolical means and was subjected to similar treatment.
A resident, Abu Buhari, reported that the incident occurred on July 5, 2024. Buhari, who identified Adishetu Atairu as his stepmother, stated that she and the other victims are still in pain from the assault. He called on the police and government agencies to prevent further communal and religious tensions and ensure justice is served.
The Edo Muslims for Equity and Good Governance (EMEGG) praised the police for their swift action. The group’s coordinator, Sirajudeen Muhammad, assured the Muslim community that justice will be pursued. He confirmed that the pastor and two others have been charged to court and that the case has been adjourned to August 7, 2024, for hearing. Muhammad emphasized the group’s commitment to following the case closely to ensure justice is achieved.
