The police in Rivers State Police Command have Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), who were caught with caskets, monkey skulls, carved skeletons, and other spiritual materials, in their respective churches.
The State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who revealed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, said the duo were apprehended by youths of Rumunduru community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Iringe-Koko said they are the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, both located on Eneka Road in Rumunduru.
She said “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.”
She said other items recovered from the pastors include several photographs—some of which were of children—small caskets, spiritual books, carved images, wooden skulls, crosses, and other ritual items.
The police said investigations into the matter were ongoing to ascertain the full extent of their activities and possible victims.
