64-year-old Celestial Church cleric allegedly be@ten to de@th in Abuja

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 reportedly been beaten to death by unidentified hoodlums who invaded the church premises during a mercy service.

The incident reportedly occurred 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 assailants allegedly went directly to the apartment of the Shepherd-in-Charge, located within the church premises, and forcibly dragged him outside.

Gbeminiyi, a retired soldier, reportedly resisted the attackers, leading to a struggle that lasted several minutes before they allegedly overpowered him and inflicted serious injuries on him.

The cleric was said to have cried out for help during the attack, but reportedly received no assistance before the assailants fled the scene.

Neighbours and other people who arrived afterward reportedly rushed him to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead a few hours later.

The incident was subsequently reported to the FCT Police Command, which has commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.

The church’s assistant shepherd was also reportedly invited by the police for questioning and detained as part of the investigation.

Gbeminiyi’s remains were later interred at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on Thursday, while a service of songs was held at the church premises.