Nigerians woke up to the news this morning, Wednesday January 25th, of a failed attempt by the Department of State Security (DSS) to arrest the Gener
Nigerians woke up to the news this morning, Wednesday January 25th, of a failed attempt by the Department of State Security (DSS) to arrest the General Overseer of The Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, a fast-growing church with its headquarters in Auchi, Edo state. The clergy man who was in Ekiti state for a two-day crusade was lodged at Midas Hotel, Iworoko road, Ado Ekiti when the DSS stormed the place to abduct him over a widely circulated video of Apostle Suleman in which he asked his church members to deal ruthlessly with any Fulani herdsman whose mission is to attack him or the church. The video had sparked debate among Nigerians as some people accused the cleric of inciting violence, while others called for his arrest.
Fortunately, the governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose who was earlier invited to the two day crusade, came to his rescue and foiled the attempt and took him to safety. Speaking after the foiled arrest, Apostle Suleman said that his arrest even for a day will bring serious consequences to Nigeria as it will take a year to repair the damage that will follow such a move by security agencies
“I came to Ado Ekiti for a crusade. But I had a premonition that I was being trailed after I preached that Christians should retaliate any attack or killings by the Fulani herdsmen. These Fulani headmen had turned many Christians to orphans and widowers but the time has come to protect ourselves.
“I received several calls from hidden numbers trying to locate where I am and I had warned my security not to allow any Fulani man to come nearer me. So when the men of DSS came in the middle of the night, I was not comfortable so I called some people and told them that there are some men here who said they wanted to see me at this dead hour of the night. It is something fishy. Only for them to come and discover that they are DSS men with trucks but the governor came and took me out of the hotel.
“It was the crowd that scared them but the truth I want to pass out is that if I spend a day in the custody of security operatives, I have churches in 42 countries and I have alerted them. Every Nigerian Embassy will be thronged.
“If I spend one day in the custody of the DSS, the damage it will cause will take one year to repair. If I spend one day, the damage that will happen to Nigeria will take one year to repair,” he insisted.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Fayose said,
“If they have any issue with him instead of arresting him in the dead of the night after a powerful and spirit-filled crusade in my State.”
“I personally attended his crusade and I think it is wrong for a man of God who is armless that could be invited if they have any issue against him. Are Christians and Moslems under different dispensation of the rule of law? . That’s why I went there to rescue him. Let them kill two of us together. But when they saw my vehicles and the crowd, they fled.
“But we have information that instructions came from DSS in Abuja that the Pastor should be arrested. We are not in a fascist state, Federal Government must learn to respect the rights of Nigerians and freedom of expression”.
Reactions have continued to trail the early morning incidence with most Nigerians, through several online platforms, condemning the DSS.
Jummai Abubakar: While I don’t support what the Apostle did or said, the DSS should have invited him formally first don’t you think?
Akinloye J. Williams: How many Fulani Herdsman have been arrested? Those that murdered the Evangelist in Abuja, what has been done about it
Thomas Ayodele: DSS or SSS should not attempt to abduct or shoot anybody. They have power to invite anybody for questioning. That is the result we get when Law Enforcement are doing like criminal trying to arrest suspects in the night. That is my personal take on d issue!
Femi Longe: Is it the work of the DSS or Police to pick up Suleiman. Whichever way, I believe what the DSS should have done was invite him publicly and where he declines, charge him to court under extant laws. The DSS are not cowboys and we can’t have them behaving like the Gestapo. As for Fayose and Wike, they should have been directly invited by the Presidency and served stern warnings as to their future behaviour. This administration needs to learn from IBB.
David Gambo: Lack of justice breeds frustration which in turn leads to aggression. PMB, DSS give us Justice in #SouthernKaduna and leave Apostle Suleiman.
Apostle C.J. Enebeli: Exactly why we’re standing with Apostle Suleiman
Henry O: Fulani Herdsmen attacked policemen in Ughelli, Delta State yesterday & the govt is quiet; but sent DSS after Apostle Suleiman for a comment.
Mclarren Kevwe I.: Members of Miyetti Allah are walking free after claiming responsibility for 100s of murders but FG wants to arrest Apostle Suleiman
Manam Hillary Udofia: Arresting Apostle Suleiman won’t erase the fact that Christians are aware they’re under siege and are ready to defend themselves. DSS can go after Apostle Suleiman. I am a Christian. If a Fulani man tries shit, i’ll do all I can to defend myself. #Dazzol
Kingsley Okechukwu: But Fulani herdsmen actually KILLED hundreds. No one has been arrested. Not one. Nothing Apostle Suleiman says supersedes what herdsmen do.
Reno Omokri: God bless Gov Ayo Fayose! Other Governors may be sophisticated, but they weren’t elected to be sophisticated but to protect life & property!
Femi Fani-Kayode: I commend Gov Ayo Fayose for preventing the DSS from arresting Apostle Johnson Suleman simply bcos he urged Christians to defend themselves.
Yemi Egbebiyi: I’m angry at the arrogance displayed by Apostle Suleiman, when he said he can’t be arrested. Is he threatening d Govt? Is he above the law?
Mr. EL-Bonga:What is wrong with Nigerians please? That apostle Suleiman made inciting comments about Fulani herdsmen, and people are condemning the DSS?
