Bayelsa Police Foil Alleged Pastor-Against-Pastor Assassination Plot
By Passman Akpos
The Bayelsa State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected cultist in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate a Christian cleric, following what authorities described as timely, credible intelligence.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Command said operatives of its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested Samuel Daniel, a 21-year-old male from Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community in Nembe Local Government Area, on January 28, 2026, at about 10:35 a.m.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect confessed to being a member of the Greenlanders Confraternity, a group often linked to cult-related activities in the Niger Delta. During interrogation, Daniel allegedly claimed that he was hired by Pastor Elijah Oro, a 59-year-old man from Ozoro Community in Delta State, to carry out an assassination against another pastor, whose name was withheld for security reasons.
Police sources said the alleged plot was uncovered before it could be carried out, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the alleged plan, as well as to determine the extent of involvement of other possible accomplices.
“The Command is working to unravel all circumstances surrounding the case and ensure that everyone connected to the alleged plot is brought to justice,” the statement said.
The Bayelsa State Police Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The press release was signed by DSP Musa Mohammed Anipr, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Yenagoa, and dated January 30, 2026.
