Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has ordered the closure of a church located in Okene area of the state for reportedly selling bulletproof water to its members and operating an unapproved medical facility.
The church, The New Jerusalem Deliverance Ministry, which is pastored by one Peter Adeiza is said to have been operating the facility since 2008 and has led to the death of many individuals due to illegal and unhygienic medical practice.
It was also discovered that the church is being used as a psychiatric and rehabilitation home as many people were seen with chains on their hands and legs.
Members and worshippers confirmed that they have been receiving treatments for different ailments from the “Man of God.”
The church was closed down on Monday by the state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), in the company with the state Commissioner for Information and Commissioner for Health, Kingsley Fanwo and Dr Zekeri Usman, respectively, other government officials and the security agents.
According to the state security adviser, the pastor was earlier arrested following a preliminary investigation by the State Investigation Bureau of the Police and the Department of State Services to look into the activities going on in the church.
He said, “In a couple of days, he will be arraigned in court and will be prosecuted, if found guilty will face the music.”
While addressing journalists, Fanwo said, “We are here to carry out the order of the governor to see what is happening here and see how to safeguard the interest and health of our people.”
