Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State, has ordered the closure of a New Generation Church, The New Jerusalem Deliverance Ministry, in Okene, Kogi State’s Central Region.
The church owner has been in the news for allegedly defrauding members by selling anointed water dubbed “Bulletproof Water” and operating an unlicensed medical facility.
The Pastor, popularly known as Peter Adeiza, is said to have been operating the facility since 2008, where many people are said to have died as a result of the illegal and unsanitary medical practise.
Governor Bello’s seal order was carried out by the Kogi State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, in the presence of the Information and Health Commissioners, Kingsley Fanwo and Zekeri Usman, as well as other government officials and a security agency.
Upon entering the church grounds, nearly 100 people were seen in the building, which was said to be approved for use as a residential area.
It was discovered that, in addition to housing a hospital used for illegal births and illness treatment, the premises also houses a psychiatric and rehabilitation home.
Many alleged insane people were seen in chains on the church grounds.
Members and worshippers confirmed that the self-proclaimed Man of God has been treating them for various ailments.
Mary Oyiza who was chained confirmed that she had a terminal disease and got recovered after she was given anointed water by the pastor. She added that she was chained by an agent of the pastor after she recovered from her illness.
Yunusa Sanusi a member of the community said his wife was invited to the church as a result of an internal disease that was threatening her life but she lost her life afterwards.
Sanusi said, “the pastor called me to come and pay for blood transfusion and I paid over thirteen thousand naira but he didn’t do anything”.
“It took the intervention of the community before the pastor could release the corpse of my wife to me”.
The State Security Adviser claimed the Pastor had earlier been arrested following a preliminary investigation by the State Investigation Bureau of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services.
Omodara added that there is enough documented evidence to show that what they practice is contrary to both religious and medical practices.
He said, “In a couple of days, he will be arraigned in court and will be prosecuted if found guilty”.
While addressing newsmen, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo said “we are here for the singular purpose of carrying out the Order of the Governor to see what is happening here and see how to safeguard the interest and health of our people”.
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On his part, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Zekeri Usman said the health of residents and citizens of Kogi State remains a priority for the government and they as agents of the state will not tolerate any act that can threaten the health and peace of its citizens.
Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka represented by Okene Area Commander, ACP Ibrahim Usman said the Police and other security agencies are on ground to ensure that the premises remain sealed as well as to maintain law and order.
