The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reportedly commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi (Perry), the 64-year-old Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Castle of Mercy Parish, War District, Abuja.
The cleric reportedly died after unidentified men allegedly attacked him at the church premises on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
According to preliminary accounts made available to CRC-MEDIA, the suspected assailants allegedly stormed the parish premises and proceeded to the Shepherd’s apartment, where he was reportedly observing a mercy day service.
The attackers allegedly dragged Onaduja out of his apartment, resulting in a violent struggle. He was reportedly heard screaming and calling for help as he attempted to resist the attackers. However, the assailants allegedly overpowered him and inflicted injuries that later proved fatal.
The attackers reportedly fled the premises after the assault.
Following the incident, neighbours and other individuals reportedly rushed to the scene and took the injured cleric to a medical facility, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.
Questions have reportedly arisen over who was present at the church premises during the attack and the circumstances surrounding the response to the Shepherd’s distress calls.
According to accounts surrounding the incident, the Assistant Shepherd was reportedly present but allegedly declined to accompany those taking the injured cleric to the hospital, saying he could not leave the church premises.
The allegation has not been established as fact and does not, by itself, indicate involvement in the death.
The FCT Police Command has reportedly commenced an investigation to determine what happened, identify the assailants and establish whether anyone else may have played a role in the incident.
The Assistant Shepherd was reportedly invited for questioning and subsequently detained as part of the investigation.
His detention should not be interpreted as evidence of guilt. No person has been judicially convicted in connection with the death, and all individuals under investigation remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Investigators are expected to examine how the attackers gained access to the premises, why the Shepherd may have been targeted, who was present at the time of the attack and whether there had been any previous threats, disputes or other circumstances that could shed light on the incident.
The death has reportedly plunged the deceased Shepherd’s family, parishioners, friends and associates into mourning.
In a particularly painful development, his family had reportedly been preparing to celebrate his birthday in October 2026. Instead, preparations for the celebration have given way to funeral arrangements following his sudden death.
Funeral arrangements for Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi (Perry) have reportedly been announced by his family as relatives, church members and friends prepare to bid him farewell.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
The family and church community are expected to await the outcome of the police investigation as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the alleged attack and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
Editor’s Note: Details of the incident are based on preliminary accounts and remain subject to police investigation. Allegations concerning individuals mentioned in connection with the case should not be regarded as findings of guilt unless established through due legal process.
May the soul of Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi (Perry) rest in peace, and may God grant his family, parishioners, friends and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
