General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has distanced himself from the arrest of popular TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as SeaKing, who was detained over comments criticising the cleric’s 100-day fasting directive.
Adeboye, addressing the controversy in a recent sermon, stated that he had no involvement in the incident and was unaware of those responsible for the social media critic’s arrest. He called for SeaKing’s release, emphasising that the arrest was unnecessary.
SeaKing was reportedly taken into custody in December 2024 after posting a video condemning Adeboye’s fasting instruction, calling it “stupid.” His remarks drew the ire of a Christian youth organisation, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, which petitioned the Lagos State Police Command, leading to his detention.
The arrest quickly triggered public outcry, with many questioning the legal grounds for detaining an individual over an opinion.
Human rights advocates criticised the move, arguing that it stifled free speech and set a dangerous precedent for online expression.
Reacting to the situation in a widely circulated video, Pastor Adeboye clarified that he neither authorised nor supported the arrest. He explained that his call for fasting was directed only at RCCG members and should not have concerned non-members.
“I heard that someone insulted me because I asked my people to fast for 100 days. I didn’t ask him. I didn’t ask anyone outside the church to do so. I was told that some people got angry and arrested him. Haaa! Release him. He is fulfilling prophecy,” Adeboye said.
His remarks have since fueled further debate on the limits of religious criticism and the role of law enforcement in such cases.
Legal practitioner Deji Adeyanju, who represents SeaKing, welcomed Adeboye’s intervention but vowed to pursue legal action against those behind the arrest.
“No one has the right to petition the police for defamation unless they are the direct victim. The fact that a group claimed responsibility for his arrest is troubling. We will advise SeaKing to take legal steps against them,” Adeyanju stated.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have urged the Nigerian police to respect constitutional freedoms and refrain from being used to settle personal or religious grievances.
With Adeboye’s call for SeaKing’s release, attention now shifts to law enforcement authorities and how they will handle the case. While some argue that the arrest was an overreach, others believe social media users should exercise caution in their public statements.
For now, the matter remains a test of Nigeria’s commitment to freedom of expression and the boundaries of religious discourse in the digital age.
