Following the Gist Lovers Blog’s allegations of homosexuality levelled against two of its ministers – Ayorinde Bello and Oke Mayowa – the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has announced their suspension for a thorough investigation.

This was revealed in an internal memo dated 28 October 2024 and signed by the RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande.

In the memo, Pastor Akande informed the church’s Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration of the decision to temporarily relieve the accused from their duties as the church conducts an investigation.

Akande also underscored RCCG’s commitment to upholding biblical principles.

Our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, and we must address these allegations with the seriousness they deserve,” he stated.

Controversial blog, Gistlovers had, over the weekend, called out Bello accusing him of luring teenage boys in the church into homosexuality.

Gistlovers alleged that Bello, popularly known as AY Bello, alongside Leke Adeboye (son of the General Overseer) and other top youth pastors of the church, have negatively influenced male teenagers kept under their tutelage by parents.

According to the Gistlovers, a 20-year-old boy, who craved anonymity, said AY Bello “is a good leader who has impacted many young people, but has also influenced many into being gay.”

RCCG’s stance on homosexuality is rooted in passages such as Leviticus 18:22, which refers to same-sex relations as an “abomination,” and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, which warns that the “unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Akande further noted that RCCG adheres to these principles and seen as a core part of its mission.

The RCCG National Overseer, however, directed the GO Special Assistant to ensure that a thorough investigation was conducted on the allegations.

He called for the inquiry to be handled with confidentiality and respect for all involved parties.

The RCCG National Overseer also stated that the church’s leadership has requested that the investigation be concluded within two weeks.

During this period, Pastor Akande directed that Ade-Bello, Mayowa, and any others allegedly involved are to refrain from participating in any church activities.

Pastor Akande made it clear that the suspension is a precautionary measure, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This is a matter of integrity and adherence to our values,” he affirmed.

This is not the first time RCCG has faced challenges related to doctrinal adherence.

As one of Nigeria’s largest Christian organisations, RCCG has frequently addressed issues it perceives as contrary to its values, prioritising discipline and a strict adherence to its interpretation of biblical morality.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to impact RCCG’s approach to similar issues going forward.

The church’s handling of the matter may serve as a message to its global membership, reaffirming RCCG’s commitment to its doctrines amid evolving societal norms.

Controversial social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has applied to the Lagos State High Court for leave to appeal the ruling delivered on October 14, 2024, by Justice M.O. Dawodu in favour of human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, in an alleged defamation suit.

Falana and his son filed a lawsuit against VeryDarkMan, demanding a retraction of allegedly defamatory statements made against them in a recorded conversation involving popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, regarding financial assistance and legal intervention when Bobrisky was detained for naira abuse.

In a letter dated September 26, 2024, signed by Taiwo Olawanle and posted on Falz’s Instagram page, Falana’s legal team addressed VeryDarkMan, the author of the social media post alleging that Falz was involved in a scheme to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky, who has faced legal troubles.

According to documents, Bobrisky allegedly requested legal advice and financial assistance from Falz, asking for N3 million to pay correctional centre officials to secure VIP treatment during his detention.

In the ruling on October 14, Justice Dawodu directed VeryDarkMan, his agents, and associates to remove the defamatory video and comments about the Falanas, published on September 24, 2024, from all his social media handles and pages, pending compliance with the court’s pre-action protocol.

The court also restrained him from further releasing, publishing, or circulating any defamatory videos or comments about the Falanas.

However, VeryDarkMan, in two separate motions on notice obtained by The PUNCH on Monday, marked ID/8584/GCM/2024 (between him and Falz) and ID/8586/GCM/2024 (where Femi Falana is the sole respondent), sought an order from the court to extend the time to seek leave to appeal the court’s ruling.

In the motion, based on seven grounds and dated October 18, VeryDarkMan argued that “the court order was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit.”

Being an interlocutory order, the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal is required.

He contended that while “it is at the court’s discretion to grant or refuse leave to appeal, such discretion should be exercised judicially and judiciously.”

He added that a refusal by the court would amount to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves significant legal questions that merit further review.

He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole.

“The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”

In an affidavit deposed to by legal practitioner Oladimeji Joseph, he stated that he is aware of the court’s specific findings regarding VeryDarkMan’s inability to compensate the claimant if the judgment goes against him, and therefore seeks to appeal the court’s ruling.

Joseph further stated, “I know for a fact that leave from this Honourable Court must be obtained before the Defendant can appeal against the ruling.

“The Defendant has 14 days from the date of the ruling within which he must seek the leave of this Honourable Court and file an appeal.”
He urged the court to grant the applicant’s request.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, a lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.

According to a statement released by the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred when Abuwatseya delivered a package to Ikwechegh’s residence, with a dispute arising over the delivery method.

Ikwechegh  slapped the driver and made derogatory comments about the Inspector General of Police.

The FCT Police Command expressed concern over Ikwechegh’s attitude, stating that he is undergoing questioning at the Maitama Police Station.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.

“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the FCT police said.

The incident took place on Sunday at Ikwechegh’s Abuja residence. The Bolt driver, Mr. Abuwatseya, delivered a package to the lawmaker, but a dispute arose over the delivery method. Ikwegh allegedly slapped the driver.

“You are a common bolt driver, you are a poor man and you have pride,” the driver quoted the Abia State lawmaker as saying.

The driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the Maitama Police Station, where he was denied the right to receive calls. Police officers at the station accused him of going to fight a “senator” in his home.

Although released, his car is still in the custody of the police.