Two Rivers Pastors Arrested After Caskets, Skulls, and Other Fetish Items Were Discovered in Their Churches
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), after disturbing findings of ritualistic items, including caskets, monkey skulls, and carved skeletons, were uncovered in their churches. The arrests were made following a report filed by concerned youths from the Rumunduru community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The pastors, who are the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, both located along Eneka Road in Rumunduru, were taken into police custody on January 20, 2025, after the discovery of the fetish items.
The situation began to unfold on the morning of January 20, when a group of youths from the Rumunduru community, led by their youth leader Henry Worlu, noticed unsettling and suspicious activities surrounding the churches of the two pastors. Alarmed by what they witnessed, the youths initiated an investigation into the churches and, what they uncovered, left them horrified. Inside the churches, they discovered several strange and unsettling items, including small caskets, carved images, wooden skulls, spiritual books, crosses, and other items that strongly suggested ritualistic practices. Most shockingly, they found photographs—some of which appeared to show children.
The pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren and Prophet Elijah Anietie, both of Akwa Ibom State origin, were handed over to the police by the youth group, who were concerned about the potential spiritual and social threat posed to the community. They also feared that the items found in the churches could be linked to ritual sacrifices or occult practices. The youths acted swiftly and responsibly by reporting the matter to the authorities, leading to the pastors’ arrest.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She addressed the public while parading the suspects at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt, revealing that investigations were underway to determine the full extent of the pastors’ activities and any possible victims involved in their alleged rituals. She expressed gratitude to the community for their vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement, noting that the actions of the Rumunduru youths had played a crucial role in bringing the situation to light.
“The discovery has sparked significant attention, especially on social media, as people continue to share their shock and disbelief over the nature of the items found in the churches,” said Iringe-Koko. “We are still gathering evidence, and further investigations will help us understand the full scope of these pastors’ operations.”
The recovered items, which include photographs, carved skulls, and spiritual paraphernalia, raise serious concerns about the nature of the pastors’ activities. The police are currently working to determine whether the items were being used for rituals, sacrifices, or other nefarious purposes. The authorities are also focusing on identifying any potential victims, particularly in connection with the disturbing photographs of children found among the items.
The situation has sent shockwaves throughout the Rumunduru community, with many residents expressing disbelief at the discovery. Community members have praised the youth group for their alertness and bravery in reporting the matter, as well as their determination to expose what they perceived as a significant threat to the spiritual and social well-being of the area. Many have voiced their concerns over the potential impact of such activities on local families, particularly children, who may have been unknowingly involved in the pastors’ rituals.
The case has garnered widespread attention, both locally and nationally, with many questioning the role of religious leaders in fostering trust and safety in their communities. The arrest of the two pastors highlights the darker side of religious practices, and the authorities have promised to leave no stone unturned in their investigation. The police are committed to ensuring that justice is served, should any criminal activity or exploitation be uncovered in the ongoing probe.
While the police continue to investigate, the pastors remain in custody, awaiting further questioning. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the extent of their activities, the motivations behind their alleged practices, and the potential involvement of others in the community. For now, the community of Rumunduru remains on edge, hoping for clarity and justice in a case that has left many with more questions than answers.
This incident has also sparked broader conversations about the dangers of unchecked spiritual practices, especially when they are tied to unregulated churches and religious institutions. Many are calling for greater scrutiny of religious organizations to ensure that such disturbing practices are prevented, and that communities are protected from exploitation in the name of religion.
As the case develops, the police are urging anyone with information about the pastors’ activities or the items found in their churches to come forward, in order to assist with the investigation and bring any wrongdoers to justice.
