Sowore Releases Face of Individual Responsible for Locking Up Critics of Nigerian Pastors
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has revealed the identity of the individual allegedly responsible for orchestrating the arrest and detention of social media users who criticise popular Nigerian pastors.
The activist pointed fingers at James Adama Paul, convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), accusing him of repeatedly using the police to clamp down on free speech, particularly targeting young Nigerians on platforms like TikTok.
A viral video shows Sowore confronting Adama in Abuja, accusing him of weaponising religion and using his influence with the police to detain critics of prosperity preachers.
“You’ve been using religion to terrorise young people in this country, using the police to lock them up for criticising prosperity pastors. Nigeria is not a Christian country. Nigeria is not a religious country.”
According to Sowore, Adama has played key roles in the arrest of online commentators including KAA Truths and Seaking, often acting on behalf of prominent clergymen such as Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Dr. Paul Enenche.
“You’re going around saying you’re defending Adeboye, you’re defending Enenche. Who made you a defender of pastors? These pastors have children who are enjoying their lives abroad while you’re here destroying the lives of other people’s children because you want to be recognised.”
Sowore warned that any police officers involved in such detentions would also be held accountable, stressing that Nigeria has no official religion and that dissenting views must not be criminalised.
“If you’re a police officer here and you continue to aid the abuse of people’s rights, you will go down with them. We will ensure you are identified and held responsible. This madness has to stop.”
Adama, however, dismissed Sowore’s accusations and has since announced a protest against him, slated for May 21 in Abuja. The demonstration, according to the CCYF, is to resist what it calls rising attacks on Christianity allegedly backed by Sowore.
Despite the protest threats, Sowore insists that exposing those misusing state power to silence critics is a fight he will not abandon.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
