Actress Threatened with Lawsuit Over Controversial “Exorcism” Video

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, is facing a potential legal battle following a viral video allegedly showing her performing a deliverance session on a schoolgirl.

A human rights lawyer, Ikechukwu Obasi, has condemned the act, describing it as “primitive, nasty, and reckless.” In a statement released on Friday, the legal practitioner argued that the actress’s actions violated the fundamental rights and dignity of the minor involved.

The controversial footage reportedly shows the actress-turned-evangelist conducting a spiritual ritual where the child was laid on bare, stony ground.

Obasi expressed shock that a public figure of Dikeh’s standing would subject a child to such treatment under the guise of religious practice. He noted that the act took place during the harmattan season, further exposing the minor to health risks.

“The sight of the display is even vicious to behold in the 21st century,” Obasi said. “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, and degrading treatment.”

The lawyer cited Section 11 of the Child Rights Act 2003 and Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect children from physical, mental, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect or degrading treatment.

The legal practitioner stressed that while Nigerians enjoy the freedom of religion, such rights are not absolute and must not be used to justify the maltreatment of minors.

The lawyer further called on the National Human Rights Commission and UNICEF to investigate the matter and ensure that children are protected from harmful religious practices.

As of the time of this report, Tonto Dikeh has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations or the 72-hour ultimatum