Police authorities in Rivers State have arrested two pastors, after fetish items were discovered in their churches.
The duo were taken into custody on January 20, 2025, following a report from the youth leader of Rumunduru community, Henry Worlu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
While speaking at the Command headquarters in Port Harcourt, Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, 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.
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.