Police Question Rivers Pastor Over Wife’s Detention Allegation

The Rivers State Police Command are questioning the leader of the Port Harcourt-based Dynamic Flame of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Prophet Umueke Miracle, following “complaints” from his wife, Success Miracle.

It was learnt that a police team brought the pastor to the Divisional Headquarters at Sani Abacha Road, GRA Phase III, Oroagbolu, Port Harcourt, on Sunday afternoon.

Details regarding the cleric’s invitation by the police remain unclear, as the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, stated that he was yet to obtain full details of the case.

Speaking on Sunday, the CP confirmed that the case involved “complaints” from the cleric’s wife, whom sources alleged had been locked in the house for some time.

Confirming that the cleric was in custody, the CP said, “I’m aware, but they’re still on it, and I’m not in a position to comment until the matter has been thoroughly investigated. They will brief me. They are still interviewing them, and I don’t have much information on the case yet.

“I think the PPRO will be in a better position to speak once we have concluded the initial investigation.”

When asked about the reason for the cleric’s arrest, the CP insisted that he needed to be fully informed of the facts first.

“The PRO will be able to provide details after the preliminary investigation. I wouldn’t say whether he was arrested or invited because the case involves his wife. I don’t yet know the extent of the complaint, but we will update you once the investigation progresses,” 

Meanwhile, sources privy to the incident claimed that the pastor’s wife had allegedly been locked in their home for several hours before being rescued by a team of policemen who arrived at the cleric’s residence on Sunday.

When asked about reports that the cleric had been arrested due to allegations of confining his wife in the house, the CP said, “I’m not aware of that.”

However, a source following up on the case at the police station suggested that the prophet might be released soon, as he had denied the allegations.

The source said, “His wife reached out, claiming he had locked her up for weeks, and she was just rescued by the Rivers State Police Command. Initially, they let him go, but we insisted, and they had to bring him back to the State CID.”

Another source close to the wife added, “When they were about to take him in, he (the pastor) pleaded with the CP to allow him to go and preach.

“They took him in his own car to the Abacha Police Station, where his wife was being held, before driving both of them to the State CID.

“When the CP was informed that it was unethical to release him, he ordered the State CID to bring him back.

“What I am unsure of is whether he is still in police custody, as there was pressure on his wife to drop the case, with some arguing that it was a private matter between husband and wife.”

Attempts to reach the pastor for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off. His wife, Success, also did not answer calls as of the time of filing this report. However, clips obtained on Sunday showed the couple arriving at the police station in the company of police officers.

Pastor’s recent public challenge on miracles

Prophet Miracle recently made headlines for challenging activist Omoyele Sowore to a live demonstration of healing miracles, particularly on stroke patients.

Sowore had previously criticised Nigerian pastors, describing their miracle claims as deceptive theatrics aimed at manipulating followers.

He alleged that his father, who suffered a stroke, had fallen victim to a “fake miracle” when taken to a church for healing.

In response, Prophet Miracle described Sowore’s remarks as an attack on the Christian faith, insisting that miracles were real and undeniable

Speaking to his congregation in a viral video in March, the cleric challenged Sowore to bring a stroke patient to his church, vowing to shut down his ministry if the person was not healed.

“He (Sowore) should personally bring someone with a stroke or insanity, and all television stations should be there. I am saying this live, and people all over the world are watching.

“This is Prophet Miracle in Port Harcourt; I challenge Sowore to bring me someone with a stroke. If I cannot pray for the person to stand up, let this be the end of my ministry.

“But if I pray and the person is healed, stands up, and walks before everyone, then until he dies, Sowore should never speak on TV or appear on social media again.”

He further declared that if he failed to heal the individual, his church should be shut down permanently.

Meanwhile, Sowore accepted the challenge, urging the pastor to visit the stroke ward at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital instead.

In a Facebook post, Sowore said, “I have accepted the challenge and would ask the pastor to move his ministry to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital stroke ward, particularly the comprehensive stroke care centre, and clear out the place.

“My reason is that those in that ward are certified sick and need urgent healing. There is no need for a back-and-forth. I will be watching his (Prophet Miracle’s) live stream tomorrow to publicise his healing prowess from that ward.”