A 64-year-old cleric of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Castle of Mercy Parish, Waru District, Abuja, Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, has allegedly been beaten to death by unidentified hoodlums who attacked the church premises during a mercy service.
The incident reportedly happened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while worshippers were gathered for the service, which began around 9am.
According to an account shared by Celestial Reality Check (CRC-MEDIA), the attackers allegedly went to the apartment of the Shepherd-in-Charge within the church premises and dragged him outside by force.
Gbeminiyi, a retired soldier, reportedly resisted the assailants, leading to a struggle that lasted several minutes. The attackers eventually overpowered him and allegedly inflicted severe injuries on him.
The cleric reportedly screamed for help during the attack, but no one came to his aid before the hoodlums fled.
Neighbours and others later rushed him to a hospital, where he was reportedly confirmed dead a few hours later.
The matter was reported to the FCT Police Command, which has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing and efforts to identify those responsible.
The church’s assistant shepherd was also reportedly invited for questioning and detained.
Gbeminiyi’s remains were later buried at Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, on Thursday. A service of songs was also held at the church premises.
