Prominent lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly condemned the founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, over comments in which the cleric threatened to arrest and detain anyone who writes or speaks negatively about him.
In a viral video that has sparked widespread reactions, Pastor Ibiyeomie accused unnamed bloggers of intentionally misrepresenting his sermons and messages. He went further to allege that some members of his congregation are collaborating with these bloggers to distort his words and spread misinformation.
In the video, the visibly agitated cleric issued stern warnings, vowing to take harsh measures against those he believes are working against him. “My type, when I go after people, they will now send people to come and beg. So I’m warning you for the last time. Next time, there will be nothing like a warning if you dare it,” he declared.
He went on to single out a young man, threatening that neither the man’s father nor mother would be able to plead on his behalf. “I will deal with you,” he stated emphatically, adding that once he decides to act, no pleas or intercessions would be entertained.
Ibiyeomie further stated, “When I go the other way, don’t come back to say this man of God is now using the police to arrest people. I will arrest you, I will lock you up. I don’t care. No man of God will pray for you and succeed.”
He expressed disdain for media attention and instructed bloggers and journalists not to report anything about him or his church, saying, “Don’t carry my news. I don’t want your news… Good or bad, don’t carry my news. You won’t make me popular.”
The controversial remarks drew swift backlash from the public, with Adeyanju leading the charge on social media. In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the activist criticized Pastor Ibiyeomie for what he described as an un-Christian attitude.
“I’m so disappointed in Papa David Ibiyeomie warning and threatening Nigerians not to talk (about) or criticize him or his church else he will lock them up,” Adeyanju wrote. “Who are you sir that people can’t talk about your church or criticize you?”
Referencing the teachings of Jesus Christ, Adeyanju added, “People criticized Jesus and He did not lock them up. And boasting about using police to lock people up — a pastor ooo! These pastors are acting like unbelievers and de-marketing Christianity.”
He further lamented that the conduct of some religious leaders is contributing to a growing disillusionment with organized religion. “They are the reason many people are no longer going to church,” he concluded.
As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians have expressed concern over the perceived abuse of power by influential religious figures and the implications such threats could have on freedom of speech and press in the country.
