A man was booked into Cobb County jail Friday for allegedly threatening to shoot up a Marietta church and kill many of its members.
The Marietta Police Department said Temitosan Abimbola, pastor at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Heaven’s Gate, reported the threat to her church on Wednesday.
She said one of her parishioners, 42-year-old Ken Ogbemudia, was texting several other church members with threats.
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Police said the pastor spoke with a “female associate” of Ogbemudia’s who said she had recently bought two AK-47 rifles and 600 rounds of ammunition for the man.
Police said they have not been able to confirm if the weapons were purchased.
According to the department, Ogbemudia, of Kennesaw, was taken to Kennestone Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
On Thursday, he was charged with making terroristic threats, which is a felony, and was booked Friday about 11 a.m. into jail.
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Ogbemudia told authorities that he came to the United States from Nigeria in 2011 and is in the country illegally.
“We are very proud that the Pastor trusted us and came forward with the information. This could have been a tragic situation,” said Marietta polce spokesman Chuck McPhilamy. “We work hard to build and strengthen relationships with the local faith based leaders and are honored that they have partnered with us.”
According to its website, the church was founded in Nigeria in 1952 and now has thousands of parishes across the world, including several in metro Atlanta.
A church representative was not immediately available for comment Friday.
Records show that the church, located at 816 Pickens Industrial Drive, registered as a business with the state in 2003.
Check back for updates.
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