Nigerian TikToker, Olumide John Ogunsanwo, also known as Seaking, has given a 24-hour ultimatum to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, demanding a retraction of a press statement concerning allegations of cyberstalking and defamation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Seaking’s lawyer, human rights advocate Inibehe Effiong, has warned that legal action will be pursued against Adeboye and RCCG if the statement is not retracted. Effiong argued that Pastor Adeboye cannot be considered a victim in this case, as another party serves as the complainant. He further stated that “mere vulgar abuse or insults” do not constitute criminal offenses in Nigeria, and cyberstalking or defamation claims cannot be made through proxies.
Effiong also pointed out that Pastor Adeboye had previously distanced himself from the matter, and they had no intention of involving him or the church in any rights enforcement suit. However, with the RCCG now associating itself with the petitioner and the alleged complaint, Effiong emphasized that they will proceed with legal action if the statement is not withdrawn.
Regarding Seaking’s legal situation, Effiong confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail after his rearrest on February 6, 2025, following an appearance in Lagos. The arrest was orchestrated by the Cybercrimes Unit of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), leading to Seaking’s transfer to Abuja. Effiong expressed gratitude for the efforts of Comrade Yele Sowore and the support from legal colleagues in Abuja.
The statement from RCCG’s public relations unit suggested that the petition, which led to Seaking’s arrest, was made by a group called “Concerned Christian Youth Forum” on behalf of “the Fathers of Faith, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye.” Effiong criticized this, clarifying that the alleged injuries from cyberstalking or defamation are personal and cannot be transferred to another party, such as Adeboye.
He warned that if RCCG and Pastor Adeboye do not retract the statement within the given time frame, they will be included as respondents in any legal action to enforce Seaking’s fundamental rights. Effiong also emphasized the importance of Christian leaders upholding the true principles of Christianity, cautioning those who misuse the legal system to settle personal grievances.
Effiong concluded by stating that further steps will be communicated soon if the retraction is not made.
