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In an unexpected development, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, may find themselves summoned to court regarding their alleged involvement in the arrest and detention of TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as SeaKing303.
The religious leader's journey toward the courtroom commenced shortly after the church's Office of the Principal Executive Assistant to the General announced its decision to allow the authorities to investigate and prosecute SeeKing303 and determine the appropriate response.
This announcement was contrary to the expectations of many Nigerians, who believed the church would drop the matter, especially after Pastor Adeboye's reported plea to the police to release the social media figure.
Nevertheless, Inibehe Effiong, the legal representative for the social media personnel, stated that the church's statement attempting to defend SeaKing's arrest has implicated the General Overseer, making him a party to the legal proceedings.
Effiong has given Adeboye and the church a 24-hour ultimatum to retract their statement or prepare for legal action that will clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the TikToker.
He claimed that his client's fundamental human rights have been infringed upon as he was detained beyond the allowed constitutional time frame and without lawful justification.
Effiong emphasized that Christian leaders should adhere to the authentic principles of Christianity, cautioning that pastors pursuing vengeance should not overstep legal boundaries but, rather, follow due process.
He noted, "Currently, our attention has been drawn to a provocative public statement released by the public relations unit of the Redeemed Christian Church of God regarding this issue."
"The Church acknowledged in its statement that Pastor Adeboye is not responsible for the petition that resulted in SeaKing's arrest, yet it suggested that the law should proceed due to a petition submitted by an individual referred to as James Paul Adama, who poses as a member of the ‘Concerned Christian Youth Forum,’” he continued.
"Pastor Adeboye cannot suffer as a consequence of alleged cyberstalking or defamation while another individual falsely acts as the complainant. It is important to note that mere vulgar insults or abuse are not criminal offenses in Nigeria. Such behavior is neither defamatory nor amounts to cyberstalking."
"Since the RCCG has opted to align itself with the erratic petitioner and drag Pastor Enoch Adeboye into the illegalities perpetrated by the police and the meddlesome complainant, they must be aware of the legal ramifications."
"We are left with no alternative but to include Pastor Enoch Adeboye as a party in any legal action we file to uphold SeaKing's fundamental rights. This may also require Pastor Adeboye to testify in court regarding any criminal charges raised by the police, and he may face cross-examination.
"Pastors who utilize the police as a tool to retaliate against those who criticize them run the risk of having their calling questioned. Vengeance belongs to the Lord as cautioned in the Bible, not the police. We will communicate our next steps shortly."
