Osayande Ekhator, 45, died during a deliverance session at Hope Ministry, aka Holy Ghost Deliverance Centre, on Okwanga Street, around Uselu Quartres, Edo State on Tuesday. He was taken there by his relatives for
spiritual cleansing on Monday. Residents of the area allegedly heard a loud cry from the church only to discover his lifeless body on the floor of the church.
A residents claimed Osayande probably fell on a hard object, as there were blood stains on his head. Osayande’s father, Pa Ekhator, said: “They tied him up and threw him to the ground. Then, they poured a bucket of water on his body. When his mother queried the action, they said that was the usual practice.
Then, they said they wanted him to rest; but after about 5 minutes she came out crying that Osayande was dead.” Osayande’s sister said, “They beat him to death. They removed the clothes he wore, bathed him and gave him another clothes.” The Resident Pastor of the church, Mrs. Isoken Ekundaye, however said: “We don’t kill here. We don’t beat here. If they bring insane people, we heal.”
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Stephen Onwochei, said the pastor had been arrested and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation….. d pastor has been strongly warned not to lay d blame on d Holy Spirit……