After police discovered a live python and a casket concealed beneath the church altar, the senior pastor of the God Deliverance Apostolic Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was taken into custody.
Following a tip from an unnamed source, the shocking revelation was disclosed, sparking public indignation and raising major concerns about the church’s policies.
Information indicating that the church, which is well-known for its contentious healing methods, was performing unconventional rites prompted authorities to take action.
When authorities raided the church, they discovered a wooden coffin buried beneath the altar and a live python hidden behind it.
The senior pastor has been arrested and is being kept for interrogation, according to a police official.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation into this matter, and we will ensure that all relevant facts are uncovered,” the spokesperson said.
Forensic analysis is being performed on the artefacts that were retrieved from the church in order to ascertain their intended use and any possible connections to illicit activity.
The senior pastor has insisted that the objects discovered had nothing to do with illegal rituals and denied any involvement in any evil activities.
But according to eyewitnesses, the church has long engaged in strange rituals that some members think result in heavenly healing and deliverance.
The church has previously come under fire for its unconventional practices; some adherents have vowed to support its efficacy, while others have voiced doubts about the nature of its operations.
Many Port Harcourt locals have expressed shock and indignation that such practices could take place at a place of worship after learning of the finding.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some people advocating for more stringent laws governing religious organisations and others supporting the church and its leader, claiming that the occurrence was the result of misunderstanding or persecution.
“This is a wake-up call for authorities to monitor these so-called churches. It’s unacceptable for places of worship to harbour such practices,” said one Port Harcourt resident.
Others, on the other hand, defended the pastor and implied that the incident might have been staged.
“This pastor has helped so many people in this community. We need to wait for the full investigation before passing judgment,” said a church member.
The Rivers State Government responded to the incident by announcing plans to conduct a thorough examination of all the state’s registered religious organisations.
Authorities have promised to make sure that houses of worship, including churches, adhere to moral and legal requirements.
A government official declared, ““We will not tolerate practices that put the safety and well-being of our citizens at risk.”
“Religious leaders must uphold transparency and accountability in their operations.”
This case demonstrates the necessity for oversight to stop possible abuse and the growing concerns regarding nontraditional religious activities.
In order to spot dubious activities passing for spiritual practices, experts have urged more awareness and community participation.
The public is waiting for more information regarding the pastor’s whereabouts and the church’s future while investigations continue.
Based on the investigation’s findings, charges against the pastor are anticipated to be decided.
Watch the video below
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime…
The Kebbi State Government has restated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, following the successful rescue of Augustine Madubiya, a400level student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, who was abducted by unknown assailants on Tuesday. In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the swift rescue, achieved within 48 hours, demonstrated Governor Nasir Idris’s firm stance against criminality. He credited the coordinated efforts of security agencies and local vigilante groups, acting on the governor’s directives, for the operation’s success. “The prompt recovery of Augustine is a testament…
President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has agreed to undergo medical checks on Friday. ZINGTIENETWORK reports that this is the first medical check Trump took since returning to power, leading to scrutiny of the 78-year-old. Trump was expected to arrive at the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs at 11:00 am (1500 GMT). “I have never felt better but nevertheless, these things must…
Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime…
A Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a motion on notice seeking leave to appeal as an interested party in the suit filed by William Fialasoika and 24 others against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the party’s congresses in the state. The sacked PDP Rivers State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, had filed the motion on behalf of those purportedly elected as state executives. Also included were Oye Fubara Igenewari, representing those elected as local government executives, and ThankGod Beke, representing ward executives As interested parties, they asked the court for permission to appeal the ruling that removed them from office. The PDP, the original suit's respondent, has already appealed the decision that declared the congresses invalid, thus Justice Stephen Jumbo rejected the motion in his decision on Friday. The PDP's state, local, and ward executives, led by Aaron, were fired by the same court on January 13, 2025, under the presidence of Justice Jumbo, after the congresses that elected them were deemed invalid.
Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime…