A new generation church, the New Jerusalem Deliverance Ministry, Okene has been shut by the Kogi State Government for allegedly defrauding members by selling “bulletproof water” and offering an unapproved medical services.
The Pastor of the church, Peter Adeiza, is believed to be operating the facility since 2008 while many people reportedly from consuming the products due to illegal and unhygienic medical practice.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Onogwu Mohammed in Lokoja on Monday said the closure order given by Governor Yahaya Bello was implemented on Monday by the state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), in company of Commissioners for Information and Health, Kingsley Fanwo and Dr Zekeri Usman respectively, other government officials and the security agents.
Apart from the hospital reportedly being used for taking deliveries and treating sicknesses, the church is also being used as a psychiatric and rehabilitation home as many people were seen in chains in the complex.
The statement reads: “It was gathered that a number of deaths have been recorded at the prayer House including pregnant women and others suffering from various ailments, after charging their relatives huge sums of money.
“His supposed assistant, Enegi Saidu, from Adego, Ajaokuta local government area, said the pastor who was a musical artist before he received a call to be a pastor has been his close friend, noting thathe is a true man of God who have been called upon to help those in need.”
The Press Secretary said Saidu revealed that people received medical attention at the church, but denied knowledge of deaths of sick people at the prayer house, saying God has used the pastor to heal many who come with challenges.
Dr. Usman said the acts of the were fraudulent, adding that the pastor hypnothises members would be rehabilitated and reintegrate with their families, adding that there would be serious sensitisation for people to desist from patronising quacks while assessing healthcare.
