A Delta State–born pastor, Elijah Oro, has been arrested in Bayelsa State for allegedly masterminding a plot to assassinate a rival prophet following disputes linked to church membership and property ownership. The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command, who said the plan was uncovered through credible intelligence before it could be executed.
According to police sources, Pastor Oro, aged 59 and originally from Ozoro Community in Delta State, was taken into custody alongside a 21-year-old suspected cult member, Samuel Daniel. The suspect is said to be a member of the Greenlanders cult group, which has been linked to violent crimes in parts of the Niger Delta.
The Bayelsa State Police Command said the arrest was effected on January 28, 2026, at about 10:35 a.m. by operatives of the command’s Special Weapons and Tactics unit. The operation followed intelligence reports suggesting that an attack was being planned against a well-known prophet in the state.
Police alleged that Pastor Oro hired Daniel to carry out the planned assassination. Investigators believe the alleged plot stemmed from prolonged disagreements between the two religious leaders over church members and property, though full details of the dispute are still being examined.
Samuel Daniel was reportedly arrested at the premises of the intended victim before any harm could occur. Security operatives moved in swiftly after monitoring his movements and activities around the location, leading to his arrest without resistance.
Following his arrest, Daniel allegedly confessed to being a member of the Greenlanders cult. Police sources said he also admitted to being recruited for the attack, though investigators are still working to verify the full extent of his statement and whether other individuals were involved.
Pastor Oro was later arrested in connection with the same case. Police said evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation linked him to the alleged plan, prompting his immediate arrest for further questioning.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, said both suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit murder. He said the command acted swiftly to prevent a possible loss of life.
“On 28th January 2026, at about 10:35 am, SWAT operatives arrested Samuel Daniel, 21, of Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, and Pastor Elijah Oro, 59, of Ozoro Community, Delta State, in connection with an alleged plot to kill a prophet,” DSP Mohammed said.
He added that the suspect, Daniel, was apprehended at the rival pastor’s premises and that preliminary investigations revealed his affiliation with the Greenlanders cult group. According to the police spokesperson, the case remains under active investigation.
The police said they are working to establish the full motive behind the alleged plot, including the nature of the disputes between the two clergymen and whether additional accomplices were involved. Officers are also examining communication records and other materials that may aid the investigation.
DSP Mohammed assured the public that the command is committed to maintaining peace and security in the state. He warned that the police would not tolerate any form of violence, regardless of the status or profession of those involved.
Residents of the area expressed shock over the incident, noting that religious leaders are generally expected to promote peace and unity within their communities. Some community members called on authorities to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and that justice is served in line with the law.
The police said both suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. They also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to help prevent crime and ensure public safety.
