Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized Port Harcourt-based clergyman, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, over a viral video in which the pastor issued strong warnings to journalists and bloggers who report negatively about him.
In the now-trending clip, Pastor Ibiyeomie expressed his frustration with what he described as a pattern of misrepresentation and deliberate twisting of his sermons by bloggers.
He issued stern warnings, threatening arrests and declaring that he would no longer tolerate false reporting or online criticism targeted at his ministry.
“Don’t carry my news. I don’t want your news… I will arrest you. I will lock you up. I don’t care,” Ibiyeomie stated during a sermon, visibly angered by past media coverage.
The pastor further warned that even the families of those involved in such reporting would not be able to plead on their behalf. He insisted that once he takes action, there would be no turning back, and warned critics within and outside his church to desist from spreading falsehoods.
Reacting to the video, Adeyanju took to social media to call out the cleric’s approach, arguing that public figures, including religious leaders, should be open to public scrutiny and not resort to intimidation.
“Who are you, sir, that people can’t talk about your church or criticize you?” Adeyanju wrote. “Even Jesus Christ was criticized and didn’t threaten to arrest anyone. You can’t gag the press or silence people for expressing their views.”
