Two Rivers Pastors Arrested Over Discovery of Caskets, Skulls in Churches

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren, 60, and Prophet Elijah Anietie, 50, after fetish items, including caskets, monkey skulls, and carved skeletons, were discovered in their churches.

The arrests were made by youths of the Rumunduru community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, who handed the suspects over to the police. The pastors are the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, both situated along Eneka Road in Rumunduru.

State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrests on Thursday, January 23, 2025, while parading the suspects at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt. She stated that the case had gained attention on social media after the youths, led by their leader Henry Worlu, reported the matter on January 20, 2025, at around 9 a.m. The youths had taken the suspects into custody before handing them over to the police for further investigation.

Authorities recovered several disturbing items from the churches, including small caskets, carved images, wooden skulls, crosses, spiritual books, and photographs—some of which were of children. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the pastors’ activities and identify any potential victims.

Meanwhile, the vigilance of the Rumunduru community has been praised, with residents expressing relief over the exposure of what they described as a spiritual and social threat in their area.