As part of measures to contain the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, the Delta State Police Command on Sunday arrested three clergymen in Warri, Delta State for allegedly conducting church services as against the lockdown order by the state government.
Also arrested were members of the churches of the three priests who are now cooling off their heels at the police cell in Warri.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya confirmed the report in a telephone chat with DAILY POST.
DSP Onovwakpoyeya gave the names of the churches whose priests were arrested to include, St. James Anglican Church, All Saints Anglican Church and Christ the World Mission.
According to PPRO, “The DPO “A” Division said he arrested one while the Area Commander in Warri arrested one.”
She also noted that the last one was arrested by the policemen in “B” Division.
The Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Mohmmaed Muktar Garba confirmed the report saying,”definitely. It is correct. We have arrested three persons or four of them. They’re inside cell.
“In one of the churches, they had almost 100 people. You can imagine. So, we are going to charge them to Court tomorrow.”
The Divisional Police Officer,”B” Division in Warri, CSP Andrew Inidebor confirmed the arrest of the parish priest of St. James Anglican Church in Warri.
In a telephone chat with our Correspondent, CSP Inidebor said he led the team that effected the arrest of the priest and some of his members.
CSP Inidebor said he was called upon by some leaders in Okere-Urhobo community that the Anglican priest was conducting Sunday service as against the directive by the state government.
“Right now, I am not in a place where I can talk but the position is true and I have handed him over to the Area Commander.
” I led the men there and the community leaders were the ones calling that the man was operating church. So, I just went there, picked him up to the Area Commander.”
