Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, demanding the retraction of a recent press statement concerning the arrest of TikToker Olumide John Ogunsanwo, known online as Seaking. Effiong contends that if the church fails to withdraw the statement within the stipulated time, he will initiate legal proceedings against both the RCCG and Pastor Adeboye.
The controversy centers on a press release from the RCCG, which, while acknowledging that Pastor Adeboye was not behind the petition leading to Seaking’s arrest, suggested that legal processes should proceed based on a complaint filed by an individual named James Paul Adama of the “Concerned Christian Youth Forum.” Effiong argues that any alleged defamation or cyberstalking is a personal matter and cannot be pursued through proxies. He emphasizes that since Pastor Adeboye initially distanced himself from the case, the church’s subsequent involvement implicates them in the legal actions concerning Seaking’s arrest and detention.
Effiong has warned that if the RCCG does not retract its statement, Pastor Adeboye may be compelled to testify in court and undergo cross-examination in any ensuing criminal proceedings against Seaking. He maintains that the church’s current stance associates it with the actions of the complainant and the police, thereby making it a party to the case.
As of now, there has been no public response from Pastor Adeboye or the RCCG regarding Effiong’s ultimatum.
