Seaking insulted Pastor Adeboye, we asked police to arrest him – Christian group

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has taken responsibility for the arrest of popular TikToker Ogunsanwo Olumide John, widely known as Seaking, for allegedly insulting the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Ogunsanwo was reportedly apprehended by the Nigeria Police in Lagos and transferred to the Federal Investigation Department (FID) in Abuja under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dasuki Galandanchi. His arrest stems from accusations of cyberbullying after he described Pastor Adeboye as “very stupid and foolish” in a viral TikTok video criticizing the church’s 100-day fasting directive.

Adama James Paul, a member of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, issued a statement condemning the TikToker’s actions. He described the incident as a reflection of the growing menace of cyber harassment, which, he argued, undermines societal values and respect for elders.

“This act of brazen cyber harassment is not only reprehensible but also strikes at the heart of our cultural norms and values,” Adama said. “It undermines the crucial principle of respect for elders that is deeply embedded in our society and threatens to erode the very foundations of our moral framework.”

He further criticized the current trend of disrespectful content creation on social media, adding, “The erosion of this fundamental principle of respect for elders is a worrisome development that must be addressed with urgency. Christian leaders and all elders in our society deserve to be treated with the utmost respect, as they represent the wisdom, experience, and cultural legacy of our nation.”

Adama confirmed that Ogunsanwo would face legal consequences for his actions, citing Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024, which criminalizes cyber harassment and prescribes imprisonment as a penalty.

“This is to inform the general public that Ogunsanwo Olumide John has been arrested and will be charged to court for his unprovoked, distasteful, and disrespectful insult directed at the revered Christian leader, Papa E.A. Adeboye,” he stated. “We, as concerned Christian youths, will no longer tolerate such reprehensible behaviors targeting highly esteemed figures of the Christian faith.”

In addition, former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore confirmed Ogunsanwo’s arrest, stating that he is currently in police custody.

The arrest has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with opinions divided over the balance between free speech and respect for cultural and religious values.