The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that the Celestial Church of Christ, Overcomers Parish in Ajah, its shepherd, Aso James, and other members are not facing prosecution over the death of a laborer, Dogo, as an autopsy confirmed there was no evidence of ritual killing.
Dogo, a Hausa laborer, tragically fell into a soakaway pit in June 2023 while working on its evacuation at the church premises. His death sparked outrage among his Hausa kinsmen, who accused the church of ritual sacrifice and retaliated by attacking the Senior Shepherd, Venerable Superior Evangelist Aso James, and other church members.
A viral video showed the brutal assault on the Senior Shepherd, further fueling false narratives about the church’s involvement in ritual killings. The allegations tarnished the reputation of the Celestial Church of Christ both locally and internationally.
In response, the church collaborated with the police to ensure those responsible for the violent attack and arson were apprehended. An autopsy report and a police investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti confirmed that Dogo died from head injuries sustained after tripping and falling into the soakaway. His body remained intact, dispelling suspicions of ritual practices.
Addressing the media in Ikeja, Lagos Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin emphasized that only individuals found guilty of criminal offenses were prosecuted. Those charged include Badmus Bisiriyu and Seyi Afolabi, who were found culpable of arson, assault, and theft. The shepherd and other church members were not charged.
