David Ibiyeomie Threatens bloggers: “Don’t Share My Sermons”
Popular televangelist and founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred controversy after threatening to arrest journalists and bloggers who publish content from his sermons without permission.
The incident came to light after a video clip of his recent sermon went viral on social media. In the video, Pastor Ibiyeomie warned media professionals and even members of his congregation against sharing or reporting his messages, regardless of whether the coverage was positive or negative.
“I will arrest you. I will lock you up. I don’t care,” he declared during the sermon. “Don’t carry my news. Good or bad, don’t carry it. Even this one, don’t carry it.”
The outspoken preacher accused unnamed members of his church of collaborating with journalists to twist his words and provoke public backlash. According to him, such individuals deliberately misrepresent his teachings to portray him in a negative light.
He claimed that planted informants within his congregation secretly record messages and leak them to online platforms. “Instead of getting blessed, you’ll pick one thing and twist it. Say what I did not say,” he said.
Pastor Ibiyeomie, known for his prosperity gospel, also made remarks that appeared to endorse retaliatory violence. “Before you slap me, I slap you,” he told the congregation. “You better ask those who have had it with me.”
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His threats have raised concerns among press freedom advocates and members of the public, especially in a democratic context where freedom of expression is a constitutional right. Legal experts warn that no individual, regardless of status, has the power to order arrests without following due legal process.
This is not the first time the Port Harcourt-based cleric has drawn criticism. Recently, he was heavily criticised for stating that Jesus Christ never associated with the poor — a claim many Christians condemned as unbiblical and misleading.
The latest outburst has sparked fresh debates around accountability for religious leaders and the role of the media in reporting faith-based messages. While some supporters have defended the pastor’s frustration with media distortion, others argue that threats and intimidation should have no place in the pulpit.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the church clarifying his comments. However, the video continues to circulate online, drawing widespread reactions and raising questions about the limits of religious authority in public discourse.
Content Credit: Ajibola Emmanuel
Image Credit: pmnewsnigeria.com
