Chaos in court as church members beat up journalists for covering their pastor's trial in Bayelsa state

There was chaos in a court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state when members of a church, whose pastor was on trial, attacked journalists for covering the trial and taking their pastor's photo.

Apostle Kingsley Abiekunogho, the general overseer of God is Able Mega Fire Ministry in Opolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, was on trial at Magistrate’s Court 3, Yenagoa, for allegedly obtaining a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from his member, Seiyefa Sayou, by trick. He is also being accused of fraudulently obtaining N20,000 from Sayou in exchange for spiritual breakthroughs.

During the trial, The Magistrate, Mrs. Eke Spiff, reportedly ordered all journalists to leave the courtroom which they did. They, however, remained within the court premises and a short while later, a policewoman allegedly went to them and warned them of an impending attack from church members.

"I was asked to advise you all to leave the court by one of the church members or there would be bloodshed," the policewoman reportedly said.

The journalists stood their ground and called the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for protection and the PPRO, in turn, ordered that a police van should be on standby.

At the end of the proceeding, the pastor was led out surrounded by his church members who tried to shield him from the camera lens of journalists. The sight of the journalists jostling for his photo angered Apostle Abiekunogho. His members, upon noticing their pastor's countenance, attacked the journalists, hitting them and damaging their equipment.

A reporter was reportedly slapped across the face multiple times while another had his camera damaged. The commotion availed other members the opportunity to lead the Apostle into his car and drive him out of the scene. Some policemen eventually restored order.

The case against Apostle Abiekunogho was adjourned till March 24, for further hearing.