THE Rivers State Police Command on Thursday, paraded two individuals accused of being fake pastors, who were apprehended by youths from the Rumunduru community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The suspects, Umoren Bassey and Elijah Aniete, were turned over to the police on January 20, 2025, after being caught by Henry Worlu, the Youth President of Rumunduru.
According to Rivers State Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe Koko, the youths reported the men to the authorities after observing them engaging in suspicious activities.
SP Koko stated that the police recovered several items from the suspects, including a cartridge, a sword, a fake naval passport, numerous photographs, a child’s shoe, a police lanyard, multiple crosses, and various spiritual materials.
However, she clarified that no live python or human skulls were discovered, contrary to some initial rumors.
In an interview, one of the suspects, Umoren Bassey, who alleges to lead the Church of God Apostolic Deliverance in Eneka, Rumunduru, defended his practices.
“I use spiritual materials as directed by God,” he explained.
“I can heal people with water and oil. I’ve been here for a long time. There’s a land dispute, and I have three weeks left before a court judgment instructs me to vacate. The community planted some of the materials they claimed to have found in my church and even searched my house without a warrant.”
Bassey, who stated he has been helping people in the community for 17 years, further claimed that some photographs found in his possession were of his family and church members.
“I use small caskets and miracle oil to pray for mentally ill individuals,” he added. “They usually calm down within three months. I’ve been using these methods to assist people here.”
Elijah Aniete, the second suspect, explained that he was attending a meeting at Bassey’s church when community members, along with the OSPAC (Oil Palm Security and Anti-Cultism) unit, arrived and arrested them.
Henry Worlu, the Youth President of Rumunduru, stated in an interview that he was informed by the OSPAC commander about Bassey allegedly performing sacrifices on the road.
“In the morning, we went to his church. He denied any wrongdoing and refused to let us in. We eventually forced our way into his chambers and discovered the items,” Worlu recounted.
“However, we did not find a python or human remains. No one assaulted him; we simply handed him over to the police.”
The OSPAC commander, who witnessed the events, confirmed that the situation was managed peacefully, with the suspects being transferred to the police without any violence.