Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh is again in the news after a video surfaced online showing her performing what has been described as a deliverance session on a young school child. The video has sparked anger among human rights activists and raised serious questions about child protection in Nigeria.
A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has threatened legal action against the actress. He called the act abusive and degrading and demanded a public apology from her.
In a statement released on Friday, Obasi said: “It is a primitive, nasty and reckless display. The child was subjected to what I can only describe as a degrading and abusive act under the guise of religious deliverance.”
According to the lawyer, the video shows the child lying on bare ground while the actress pressed the child against the hard surface during the ritual. “The innocent child was laid on bare ground, and she continued the vicious exercise she called a deliverance. The child was exposed to dust during the harmattan season, which may cause catarrh or other airborne diseases,” Obasi said.
He expressed disbelief that a public figure who identifies as a born-again Christian could act this way. “It is disheartening that in this contemporary Nigeria, a Nollywood actress who claims to be a repented Christian could subject an innocent child to such untoward, abusive, degrading treatment, dastardly practice under the guise of religious deliverance,” Obasi said.
Obasi also questioned the purpose of the ritual. “Deliverance from what exactly?” he asked, highlighting the lack of clarity around the act.
The lawyer cited Nigerian law to support his position. “Section 11 of the Child Rights Act 2003 and Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution protect every child from physical, mental, or emotional abuse, neglect, maltreatment, torture, and degrading treatment,” he said. “Obviously, what was meted out to that innocent and harmless child did not only constitute maltreatment, degrading treatment, and physical, mental or emotional abuse, it is also an attack on the honour or reputation of the child.”
While recognising the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, Obasi stressed that these rights are not absolute. “Section 38 of the Constitution allows freedom of religion, but it cannot be used to justify acts that harm children,” he said.
Obasi called on Tonto Dikeh and her associates to stop such practices immediately. “I am therefore calling on the actress, Tonto Dikeh, and all her cohorts to cease and desist forthwith from further acts of child exorcism and abusive religious practices on any Nigerian child, as such conducts constitute child abuse, assault, and battery,” he said.
The lawyer also demanded a public apology. “She should also tender an unreserved apology to that child and all Nigerian children because an injury to one is an injury to all within 72 hours or face appropriate legal action,” Obasi warned.
He urged child protection organisations to investigate the incident. “I am calling on UNICEF, the National Human Rights Commission, and other child rights groups both within and outside Nigeria to ensure that minors are not subjected to abusive religious practices,” he said.
This incident adds to a series of public challenges in Tonto Dikeh’s life. The actress has previously been involved in personal disputes, public criticisms over her parenting, and controversies relating to her relationships and statements. Each incident has attracted widespread media attention, placing her personal life firmly in the public eye.
Social media users have reacted strongly to the video. Many condemned the act, describing it as cruel and unnecessary. Some defended it as part of religious practice, but even supporters of spiritual deliverance expressed concern over the child’s safety and dignity.
Child rights organisations emphasised that children should never be exposed to harmful rituals, regardless of religious or cultural context. “No child should be subjected to dangerous practices, no matter what the intent is,” said a spokesperson from a local child advocacy group.
Psychologists also warn that such experiences can have lasting effects on children. “Exposure to extreme rituals can cause stress, fear, and long-term psychological harm,” said a child psychologist. “Even if the intention is spiritual, the method must not harm the child physically or mentally.”
Legal analysts say that Nigeria’s laws clearly protect children from abuse. Violations can lead to severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Obasi’s warning indicates that he is prepared to take the matter to court if the actress does not comply with his demand for an apology and a stop to the practice.
Tonto Dikeh’s supporters continue to defend her, arguing that her actions are part of her religious beliefs. Others insist that no belief can justify harming a child. The situation highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom and child protection in Nigeria.
Experts argue that public figures have a particular responsibility. “When celebrities act in ways that affect children, they set an example for others. They must ensure their actions are safe and lawful,” said a child protection specialist.
The controversy also raises broader questions about cultural and religious practices. Deliverance rituals are common in some communities, and while many are symbolic or harmless, some can pose serious risks to children. Human rights advocates stress that awareness, education, and enforcement of child protection laws are essential.
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