Cross River State police command has arrested pastor of United Evangelical Church for alleged possession of human skull.
The 45-year-old Michael Bassey was arrested following a complaint by a concerned citizen on threat to life.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Sikiru Akande said the suspect was arrested at 56 Uwanse by Asuquo Ekpo Street in Calabar South.
Akande said “The suspect was arrested with one human skull tied with the complainant’s picture and carved human image with red clothes.
“Investigation is still ongoing and the suspect will be arraigned in court.”
Bassey, however, denied being into any diabolical act. He told newsmen that he has been conducting healing services for his congregation members before his arrest.
The Pastor said “I don’t know anything about this human skull. I am innocent of the charges against me. My mother gave me Bible and garment as a young boy; then I started helping people by liberating them from various curses and enchantments,’ he said.
“I started by liberating my family who always “sacrificed” their male children for the female ones to survive. I broke that covenant and I have been liberating people in Cross River and beyond, I am not a killer, I only help people.
“I am not a herbalist, I am a prophet, I was ordained at a Church (names withheld) at Azikiwe Street, Calabar by my spiritual father. After I liberate people, they come back and show appreciation, I am not a native doctor,” he added.