The Police Command of Rivers State has displayed two pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), who were found in possession of fetish objects, including coffins, monkey skulls, intricately carved skeletons, and various spiritual items, within their churches.
The pair were detained by the youth of the Rumunduru community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state; they are the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, both situated along Eneka Road in Rumunduru.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the State Police Public Relations Officer, revealed this information on Thursday while showcasing the suspects at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters located in Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko stated, “This incident, which has been widely discussed on social media, concerns two pastors reported by the youths of Rumunduru community, led by their youth leader, Henry Worlu, on January 20, 2025, at about 9 am.
“The youths apprehended the suspects, Prophet Umoren Bassey and Prophet Elijah Anietie, both hailing from Akwa Ibom State and turned them over to the police for a thorough investigation.”
She enumerated the items seized from their places of worship, which included various photographs—some depicting children—small caskets, spiritual literature, carved figures, wooden skulls, crosses, and other ritualistic objects.
The police spokesperson emphasized that inquiries into the situation are ongoing to determine the full scale of their activities and identify potential victims.
In the meantime, the youth of the Rumunduru community received praise for their alertness in revealing the alleged actions of the suspects, which they asserted represented a spiritual and social danger to the community.
