Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has publicly condemned Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries for threatening to arrest and imprison critics who publish negative content about him or his church.
In a video that has since gone viral, Pastor Ibiyeomie accused unnamed bloggers of deliberately twisting his sermons and claimed that some members of his own congregation were colluding with them. He issued a final warning: “Next time, there’ll be no warning. I will deal with you.”
The pastor made it clear that he intended to involve law enforcement against those who criticize him. “When I pick them and people ask why, I don’t care. I will arrest you, lock you up. Don’t report anything about this church,” he declared.
He also lashed out at a particular individual, stating, “My gospel is before you slap, I slap you,” suggesting a readiness to retaliate personally.
Adeyanju responded to the pastor’s comments via a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling the threats a betrayal of Christian values.
“I’m so disappointed in Papa David Ibiyeomie for threatening Nigerians not to criticize him or his church,” Adeyanju wrote. “Who are you that people can’t express their opinions about your church? People criticized Jesus and He didn’t arrest anyone.”
He further added, “A pastor boasting about using police to arrest critics is exactly why many are turning away from the church. These actions are damaging Christianity and making pastors look like unbelievers.”
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