Rivers State Police Arrest Two Fake Pastors, Recover Ritual Items

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two self-proclaimed pastors suspected of ritual activities in Rumuduru community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, on January 20, 2025, at about 9 a.m, youths from Rumuduru community, led by their President, Henry Worlu, apprehended the suspects and handed them over to the police.

The arrested individuals were identified as the presiding pastor of “The One God Deliverance Apostolic Church, Umoren Bassey, a 60 years old and leader of Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, Elijah Aniete, who is aged 51 years.

During interrogation, Bassey admitted to using spiritual materials, including water and oil, to heal people, claiming divine guidance. He further stated that he had lived in the community for over 17 years, offering prayers for those afflicted by spiritual problems.

He also disclosed that he used a small wooden casket and “miracle life oil” to treat people suffering from insanity, asserting that they were healed within three months.

Items recovered from the suspects include one cartridge, small wooden caskets, a sword, a fake naval passport, thousands of photographs, a child’s half pair of shoes, a police lanyard, various crosses, and other spiritual materials.

The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.