A legal clash has erupted between human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) following the arrest of social media activist Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as SeaKing.
The dispute centers on a TikTok video criticizing RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and has escalated into a debate over free speech and religious influence in Nigeria.
Background
In December 2024, SeaKing posted a TikTok video labeling Pastor Adeboye’s call for Nigerians to undertake a 100-day fast as “stupid.” The video drew sharp backlash from the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, a religious group that petitioned the Lagos State Police Command.
This led to SeaKing’s arrest, sparking outrage online over perceived suppression of dissent.
Pastor Adeboye initially distanced himself from the arrest during a church event, claiming no prior knowledge of the incident.
However, the police released SeaKing on administrative bail days later after his legal team contested stringent bail terms.
On Monday, the RCCG’s Public Relations Department issued a statement supporting the arrest, clarifying that the youth group acted “on behalf of the Fathers of Faith, including Pastor Adeboye.”
The church emphasized allowing “the law to take its course” while affirming Adeboye’s commitment to “love and reconciliation.”
Effiong, SeaKing’s lawyer, swiftly condemned the statement. He accused the RCCG of contradicting Adeboye’s earlier stance and threatened to sue the pastor unless the church retracted its position within 24 hours.
“Since RCCG has aligned itself with the petitioner, we must now include Pastor Adeboye in legal actions,” Effiong said.
He warned that Adeboye could face cross-examination if the case proceeds to court.
Implications
Effiong criticized the trend of “weaponizing the police to silence critics,” urging clergy to avoid “overreach” in pursuing legal redress.
He referenced biblical teachings on leaving vengeance to divine authority, contrasting it with the use of state institutions for personal grievances.
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, but clashes between religious sensitivities and civil liberties remain common.
A 2023 report by Amnesty International documented rising cases of arrests linked to blasphemy or criticism of religious figures, highlighting tensions in a nation split between Christian and Muslim populations.
As the 24-hour ultimatum lapses, observers await the RCCG’s next move. The case underscores broader debates about accountability, free speech, and the role of faith leaders in civic matters.
Legal experts suggest the outcome could set a precedent for how Nigeria balances religious respect with constitutional rights.