Port Harcourt — In a dramatic turn of events, two pastors, identified as Umoren Bassey (60) and Elijah Aniete (51), have been arrested in Rivers State for allegedly engaging in suspicious and possibly illegal activities. The clerics were apprehended by vigilant youths in Rumunduru, Oroigwe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on January 20, 2025, and subsequently handed over to the State Police Command for investigation.
Both suspects, natives of Akwa Ibom State, lead separate ministries: God Deliverance Apostolic Church (Bassey) and Power House of Glory International Church (Aniete), both located along Eneka Road, Rumunduru.
Alarming Discoveries
While parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Grace Iringe-Koko, Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, revealed shocking details about the items discovered in Bassey’s church and residence.
Among the recovered items were:
- A live cartridge and a sword
- Two wooden coffins
- Thousands of photographs and passport-sized photos of people
- Children’s shoes, calabashes, and bottles containing unidentified liquids
- Police uniforms, coconuts, Bibles, and other spiritual items
Contrary to initial rumors, Iringe-Koko clarified that no python or large casket was found. She assured the public that investigations are ongoing and further findings will be disclosed.
Mixed Reactions
The arrest has triggered widespread concern online, with many citizens calling for increased scrutiny of religious leaders and their practices. This incident has reignited debates about the regulation of religious institutions and the activities of self-proclaimed clerics in the country.
Pastors’ Defense
Both suspects have denied any wrongdoing. Bassey, who has lived in the Rumunduru community for 17 years, claimed that the contentious items were planted by members of the community due to an ongoing land dispute.
“They searched my house without a warrant,” Bassey alleged. “Some of the pictures found are those of my son and church members. I use materials like oil and water for prayers to heal people, including the mentally ill. The small casket you saw is what I use to pray for mad persons; they calm down within three months.”
Bassey further stated that the community had fabricated the allegations to tarnish his reputation following a court judgment ordering him to vacate the land.
On his part, Aniete claimed he was at Bassey’s premises to discuss maritime-related matters. According to him, Bassey is the captain of the Maritime Rescue Coastal Security organization, and they were meeting about a signal received from Lagos.
“I own a church,” Aniete explained. “Bassey invited me to discuss a maritime issue. While we were talking, the youths came in and arrested me. I had no involvement with any fetish items.”
How the Clerics Were Apprehended
The Youth President of Rumunduru, Henry Worlu, provided an account of how the arrests were made. He explained that a vigilante commander reported seeing Bassey behaving suspiciously at midnight in the middle of a road.
“When confronted the next morning, Bassey denied any involvement in fetish practices. However, the youths insisted on searching his premises, and what we found was alarming,” Worlu said.
The youth leader added that the presence of numerous spiritual and suspicious items raised red flags, leading to the clerics’ arrest.
What’s Next?
The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public of a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, this incident has brought attention to the activities of religious leaders in Nigeria, with many calling for stronger oversight and regulatory measures.
