The Deeper Christian Life Ministry has dismissed a widely circulated online publication alleging that its General Superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, said the United States was attempting to seize Nigeria’s natural resources and that there was no persecution of Christians in the country.
The viral report, posted by a platform identified as Ibom Focus, claimed Kumuyi made the remarks during a press conference in Lagos.
The publication triggered backlash across social media throughout Sunday.
However, in a statement shared Monday on Kumuyi’s official X handle, the church described the report as “fabricated” and “malicious.”
“The Deeper Christian Life Ministry condemns in the strongest terms the entirely false report circulated by a faceless platform known as ‘Ibomfocus’,” the statement read.
“The story with the headline, ‘America is Trying to Steal our Natural Resources; There is No Christian Genocide in Nigeria, says Pastor Kumuyi,’ is a complete fabrication and the figment of its authors’ imagination.”
The ministry clarified that Kumuyi has not been in Nigeria recently and could not have addressed any press conference.
“Pastor Kumuyi has been outside the country for a considerable period, ministering in the Oceania region and the Far East. He did not speak in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria, nor did he make the comments attributed to him,” it stated.
The church emphasized that Kumuyi remains focused on Christian evangelism and does not engage in political commentary.
“He is known for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He does not interfere in political matters as the false story attempted to suggest,” the ministry added.
The statement also warned individuals and online platforms to desist from dragging the cleric into political controversies.
“We caution those bent on mischief by fabricating statements in his name to stop. Future occurrences may attract appropriate action,” the church warned.
The clarification comes amid heightened global reactions after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
