Late last month, the death of five people, followers of the Very Holy Church of Jesus Christ of Baname made news headlines in Benin. The deceased died from asphyxiation as they awaited the descent of the Holy Spirit in a completely sealed “prayer room.”

In reaction to that event, four of the church priests were arrested and charged with manslaughter last Thursday for their suspected role in the deaths of their members during the prayer exercise held last month in anticipation of the end of the world.

The church members were allegedly praying while burning incense and incandescent charcoal in a room without ventilation as was the instruction of their leaders. Unfortunately, five died while others suffered severe respiratory problems.

Reuters reports that the head of the church, Vicentia Chanvoukini, a young woman known as “Lady Perfect” who is considered a god by her members was not charged. She had gone on local radio to say that the people who died were not her members but people that were there to test them.

While it remains unclear why “Lady Perfect” walks free when it appears she was well aware and had sanctioned the prayer exercise, the four priests charged with manslaughter in the capital Porto Novo have been sent to prison pending trial.

The church of Baname, often referred to as a cult, has thousands of followers in Benin, and outrightly denounces Benin’s local voodoo culture. This has led to several violent clashes between them and members of other faiths since 2009.