Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit have arrested a pastor and a suspected cult member over an alleged plot to assassinate a rival cleric in the state, following what police described as a dispute linked to church membership and property.
The suspects include a Delta State–born pastor, identified as Elijah Oro, and a 21-year-old man, Samuel Daniel, who is alleged to be a member of the notorious Greenlanders cult group. Police authorities said the arrests were carried out after the receipt of credible intelligence pointing to an imminent threat to the life of a prophet whose identity has been withheld for security reasons.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the suspects were apprehended in connection with an alleged conspiracy to murder a fellow cleric in the state.
According to DSP Mohammed, the arrests were made on January 28, 2026, following coordinated surveillance and intelligence-led operations by the SWAT unit. He disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest the alleged plot was motivated by a prolonged disagreement between the clergymen over church membership and property issues.
“On 28th January 2026, at about 1035 hours, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested Samuel Daniel, 21 years, of Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, and Pastor Elijah Oro, 59 years, of Ozoro Community in Delta State, in connection with an alleged plot to kill a prophet,” the police spokesperson stated.
DSP Mohammed explained that Samuel Daniel was apprehended at the premises of the intended victim during a routine security operation prompted by intelligence reports. Upon interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to being a member of the Greenlanders cult and confessed that he was recruited to carry out the attack.
Police sources further revealed that the suspect allegedly told investigators he was hired by Pastor Oro to execute the assassination, although the details of the alleged agreement and the promised compensation are still under investigation.
“The suspect, Samuel Daniel, was arrested at the prophet’s premises and during preliminary questioning, he confessed to being a member of the Greenlanders cult group. He further alleged that he was contracted by Pastor Elijah Oro to carry out the assassination,” DSP Mohammed said.
The police spokesperson added that Pastor Oro was subsequently arrested and taken into custody for questioning. He noted that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged plot, including the nature of the rivalry between the two clerics and the extent of involvement of other possible accomplices.
According to police sources familiar with the investigation, the dispute between the clerics is believed to have escalated in recent months, allegedly fuelled by disagreements over church followers and ownership of church-related property. The sources said the situation deteriorated to the point where one of the parties allegedly resorted to criminal means to resolve the conflict.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has assured the public that the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law if the allegations are substantiated. DSP Mohammed reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and preventing violent crimes across the state.
He also warned individuals against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that disagreements, including those involving religious institutions, must be resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
“The command will not tolerate any form of criminality, regardless of the status or profession of those involved. Anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law,” the police spokesperson said.
The arrest has sparked reactions among residents, particularly within religious circles, with many expressing shock over the allegations. Some community leaders have called for calm, urging religious leaders to promote peace and coexistence in line with the moral teachings they uphold.
Security analysts say the case highlights the continued challenge of cult-related violence and the need for sustained intelligence-driven policing to prevent crimes before they occur. They also stressed the importance of addressing disputes early to prevent escalation into violence.
As investigations continue, the police have not disclosed when the suspects will be charged to court, noting that further inquiries are necessary to conclude the case. The identities of the intended victim and other sensitive details have been withheld to protect ongoing investigations and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has encouraged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that such cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime and the preservation of public safety.
