March 7, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has threatened legal action against Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh following a viral video that allegedly shows the actress performing a deliverance ritual on a school child.
In a statement released on Friday, Obasi described the incident as disturbing and degrading, alleging that the act amounted to child exorcism and a violation of the minor’s fundamental rights.
According to the lawyer, the video circulating on social media shows the actress conducting a deliverance session during which the child was placed on bare ground while she pressed the child against a stony surface.
Obasi condemned the act as what he called a “primitive, nasty and reckless display,” expressing concern that such treatment could be carried out by a public figure in modern-day Nigeria.
“The sight of the display is vicious to behold in the 21st century,” Obasi said.
“It is disheartening that in contemporary Nigeria, a Nollywood actress who claims to be a repented Christian could subject an innocent child to degrading treatment under the guise of religious deliverance.”
The lawyer also raised health concerns, noting that the incident allegedly occurred during the harmattan season, when dusty conditions could expose the child to respiratory infections.
“The innocent and harmless child was laid on bare ground while the exercise continued, emitting hazardous dust that could potentially cause catarrh or other airborne diseases,” he said.
Questioning the purpose of the alleged ritual, Obasi asked, “Deliverance from what exactly?”
He argued that the act violates provisions of the Child Rights Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which protect children from abuse, degrading treatment, and violations of their dignity.
According to him, the law guarantees every child protection from physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as any act capable of damaging their honour or reputation.
Obasi maintained that the treatment allegedly meted out to the child amounts to maltreatment and an assault on the child’s dignity.
While acknowledging that Nigerians have the constitutional right to freedom of religion, he stressed that such rights must not be used to justify practices that could harm minors.
The lawyer has therefore given the actress a 72-hour ultimatum to issue a public apology.
“I am calling on Tonto Dikeh and all those involved to cease and desist from further acts of child exorcism and abusive religious practices on any Nigerian child,” he said.
“She should tender an unreserved apology to the child and to all Nigerian children within 72 hours or face appropriate legal action.”
Obasi also called on organizations such as UNICEF and the National Human Rights Commission, alongside other child protection groups, to investigate the incident and ensure that children are protected from abusive religious practices.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the video continues to generate debate online, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
