The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended two pastors, after fetish items were discovered in their churches.
The arrest followed a report from the youth leader of the Rumunduru community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Henry Worlu, and was carried out on January 20, 2025.
Speaking at the Rivers State Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the seized items included small coffins, monkey skulls, carved skeletons, and other ritual paraphernalia.
“This case, which has been trending on social media, involves two pastors reported by youths of Rumunduru community, led by their youth leader, Henry Worlu, on January 20, 2025, at about 9 am. The youths brought the suspects, Prophet Umoren Bassey and Prophet Elijah Anietie, both of Akwa Ibom State origin, and handed them over to the police for discreet investigation,” Iringe-Koko said in a statement.
The suspects, who are allegedly the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, were reportedly found with several photographs—some of which were of children—as well as spiritual books, crosses, wooden skulls, and other carved images.
The police assured that an investigation is underway to uncover the full scope of the suspects’ activities and identify any potential victims