Autopsy Clears Celestial Church of Ritual Killing Allegations in Dogo’s Death

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that an autopsy report has exonerated the Celestial Church of Christ, Overcomers Parish, Ajah, and its shepherd, Venerable Superior Evangelist Aso James, from allegations of ritual killing in the death of Dogo, a Hausa labourer. Dogo died in June 2023 while clearing a soakaway pit at the church’s premises. His death sparked accusations of ritual killing and led to a violent mob attack on the church and its members.

Dogo was employed by the church to evacuate the overflowing cesspit. According to reports, he slipped and fell into the soakaway, sustaining fatal head injuries from hitting the concrete. The incident occurred during a New Moon service, and church members attempted to rescue him, with one of the assistants also falling into the pit.

Following Dogo’s death, his Hausa kinsmen accused the church of ritual killing, leading to a violent mob attack. The church was set on fire, and the Senior Shepherd, Aso James, was severely beaten. A viral video showed James’s battered body.

ADVERTISEMENT

To address the allegations, the church cooperated with the police to conduct an autopsy. The autopsy report, along with a police report from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, concluded that Dogo died from injuries sustained in the fall, with no evidence of ritual killing. His body parts were found intact.

The police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that only those found culpable were taken to court. Suspects Badmus Bisiriyu and Seyi Afolabi were charged with arson, assault, and theft related to the attack on the church and its members. The shepherd and church members were not charged, as the autopsy did not implicate them in Dogo’s death.

The Celestial Church of Christ has been cleared of the ritual killing allegations, and the focus remains on prosecuting those responsible for the violence against the church. The incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations to prevent misinformation and mob justice.