Two pastors in Rivers State arrested with fetish items including caskets and skulls; community youths expose their alleged activities

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]wo men claiming to be pastors have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command after they were allegedly caught with fetish items in their churches.

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The suspects, identified as Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), were apprehended by local youths in Rumunduru community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following claims of suspicious activities.

The youths, led by community leader Henry Worlu, reported the two individuals to the police on January 20, 2025, after witnessing what they described as occult practices.

The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a range of disturbing items, including caskets, monkey skulls, carved skeletons, and other spiritual artefacts, which were later recovered by police operatives from the ‘Operation Sting’ unit.

Grace Iriinge-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police, confirmed the arrest and the items found, including a live cartridge, wooden coffins, a naval Barrett, bottles of liquid, and thousands of personal photos and passports.

However, contrary to social media reports, no live python or human skulls were recovered, she clarified.

Bassey, the founder of the ‘God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church,’ denied any involvement in fetish practices.

He insisted that the items were used for spiritual purposes, particularly for healing and deliverance, claiming that some individuals in the community had framed him over a land dispute.

He argued that the materials, including small caskets and miracle life oil, were intended for prayer and spiritual work.

His co-suspect, Prophet Anietie, also denied the charges, claiming that he had only visited Bassey’s church for a meeting.

He explained the presence of the items as part of his personal medicinal practices following an operation.

Despite their denials, the local community leader, Worlu, maintained that the two were indeed engaging in suspicious, occult activities.

He stated that the pastors were caught in the act of performing a sacrifice at night and later discovered to have a shrine filled with spiritual items.

Worlu’s team, along with video evidence, handed the pastors over to the police for further investigation.