Well-known activist Verydarkman has publicly criticized Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the founder of Salvation Ministries, after the cleric issued a warning to bloggers and online news platforms to stop posting content about him and his church.
In a viral video, Pastor Ibiyeomie warned that anyone who published news about him without authorization would face arrest—a statement that has since stirred mixed reactions online.
Responding via social media, Verydarkman condemned the pastor’s comments, accusing him of misusing his influence to intimidate critics. He challenged the idea that people could be arrested simply for expressing opinions or reporting on public figures.
He said in part:
“You travel abroad, have you seen anyone being arrested just for talking? What you’re trying to do is abuse your power by using the police to silence people. That can’t happen in developed countries where proper investigations are done. Just because you’re a pastor doesn’t put you above the law. That’s why I say even religious leaders are part of what’s ruining this country. No one is afraid of you—you’re human like the rest of us.”
Reactions from Nigerians:
- @Abasiono_Ek: “This madness has entered the church too. As leaders abuse power, now pastors are doing the same. That line—‘to liberate a nation, we must drop respect’—makes a lot of sense.”
- @TVNDEY: “I blame the people who keep calling them men of God. These so-called pastors are hiding behind scriptures to justify terrible behavior.”
- @olumidebravo3: “We have more churches than schools, cinemas, hospitals, and vocational centers. Until we recognize the fraud, we’ll never truly be free.”
Watch the video below…