A 64-year-old pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Castle of Mercy Parish, Abuja, has been beaten to death in a shocking attack during a morning church service.
The deceased, identified as Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, was reportedly attacked on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the church in the Waru area of Abuja.
The incident took a fresh twist after the assistant shepherd of the parish was detained by the police for questioning as investigators probe the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.
Gbeminiyi, a retired military officer, was said to have been in his apartment within the church premises when unidentified hoodlums allegedly stormed the compound during the morning Mercy Service.
The attackers reportedly dragged him out of the apartment and subjected him to a brutal beating.
Despite reportedly crying out for help, the assailants allegedly fled before help could arrive.
The badly injured cleric was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His death sent shock waves through the church community, with questions now being raised over the motive for the attack and how the assailants gained access to his residence.
ASSISTANT SHEPHERD DETAINED
As part of the investigation, police reportedly invited the assistant shepherd for questioning and subsequently detained him.
It remains unclear what prompted the detention or whether investigators have established any link between him and the killing.
The detention, however, does not amount to an allegation of guilt, as police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are expected to establish what happened before, during and after the attack, identify the assailants and determine whether there was any prior disagreement or threat involving the deceased.
The police are also expected to examine how the attackers entered the church premises and why the deceased was allegedly singled out.
Gbeminiyi was reportedly buried at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, on Thursday, August 20, following a service of songs at the church.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, while the police investigation continues.
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