The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Monday clarified its stance on the case of fast-rising TikToker Olumide ‘Sea King’ Ogunsanwo, days after its Normal Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, broke his silence.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Nigerian police in Lagos re-arrested Sea King when he appeared for a separate trial at a Justice of the Peace’s court docket.
His re-arrest was linked to allegations of cyberbullying in opposition to Pastor Adeboye following the cleric’s declaration of a 100-day quick for church members.
Through the February Holy Ghost service on the church auditorium in Simawa, Ogun State, the 82-year-old cleric mentioned he didn’t authorise Sea King’s arrest and referred to as for his launch.
Nonetheless, RCCG clarified in an announcement from its public relations unit, beneath the workplace of the Principal Govt Assistant to Mr Adeboye, that its Normal Overseer referred to as for Sea King’s launch with out understanding the gravity of his offence.
The assertion reads partially: “There was a video in circulation calling for the discharge of Olumide Ogunsanwo (Sea King) by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. Nonetheless, it is very important be aware that the sooner movies containing doubtlessly defamatory statements had not been completely examined.
Article Web page with Monetary Help Promotion
“Upon cautious evaluate of the considerations raised relating to sure statements and allegations. It has turn into crucial to permit the regulation to take its course. It is very important correctly perceive Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye’s assertion throughout the Holy Ghost Service Evening on Saturday relating to Olumide Ogunsanwo (Sea King).”
Respect for non secular leaders
The church revealed that the Involved Christian Youth Discussion board filed the grievance that led to the TikToker’s arrest.
Moreover, RCCG cautioned people in opposition to cyberbullying and making inappropriate feedback about Pastor Adeboye, the church, and the physique of Christ at giant.
“The Church doesn’t intend to intervene with the continued police investigation, particularly as there’s an official grievance filed by the Involved Christian Youth Discussion board in opposition to Olumide Ogunsanwo John (Sea King) and others on behalf of the Fathers of Religion, together with Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
“Due to this fact, we belief that the related authorities will perform their investigations professionally and attain a simply conclusion based mostly on the regulation. Whereas Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye maintains a coronary heart of affection and reconciliation, due course of should be adopted”, the church added.
Moreover, the church inspired respectful discourse, noting that it might proceed selling a tradition of honour whereas discouraging defamatory and disrespectful statements.
“Respect for non secular leaders is a deeply held worth in our religion and tradition. We encourage all to interact in constructive and respectful discussions honouring those that have laboured within the religion”, mentioned the church.
Background
The rearrest of Sea King occurred barely two months after his preliminary arrest for allegedly insulting President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in extensively circulated social media movies.
This newspaper reported that he was first arrested on 20 December and brought to court docket, the place the police sought a 30-day remand order from the Justice of the Peace.
Nonetheless, the court docket denied the request and granted him bail set at N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
He was about to be launched on bail for expenses of treason, cyberstalking, and conduct prone to trigger a breach of peace when he was rearrested.
In the meantime, his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, confirmed the rearrest on his X deal with, stating that Sea King was taken to Murtala Muhammed Airport and flown to Abuja.
Mr Effiong urged Inspector Normal of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to intervene and put an finish to what he described as a blatant abuse of due course of by police operatives.
He additionally demanded Sea King’s rapid launch.
Equally, rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the TikToker’s rearrest in a submit on X, linking the police motion to Sea King’s social media submit about police corruption.
Mr Sowore, a former presidential candidate, additionally referred to as on the police to launch the TikToker instantly and desist from harassing Nigerians with cybercrime allegations.
Help PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Occasions, we firmly imagine within the significance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everybody can afford expensive information subscriptions, we’re devoted to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked information that is still freely accessible to all.
Whether or not you flip to Premium Occasions for every day updates, in-depth investigations into urgent nationwide points, or entertaining trending tales, we worth your readership.
It’s important to acknowledge that information manufacturing incurs bills, and we take delight in by no means inserting our tales behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you contemplate supporting us with a modest contribution on a month-to-month foundation to assist keep our dedication to free, accessible information?
Make Contribution
TEXT AD: Name Willie – +2348098788999
