The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) has refuted a viral report alleging that its General Overseer, Pastor William Kumuyi, accused the United States of plotting to steal Nigeria’s natural resources and dismissed claims of Christian genocide in the country.
The false report, published on Sunday by an online platform identified as Ibom Focus, claimed Pastor Kumuyi made the comments during a press briefing in Lagos.
However, in a statement released on the clergyman’s official X (Twitter) account on Monday, the church described the story as “malicious and entirely false.”
“The Deeper Christian Life Ministry condemns in the strongest terms the malicious and entirely false news report circulated by a faceless platform which goes by the name of 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 total fabrication and the figment of the imagination of its authors.”
The ministry clarified that Pastor Kumuyi has not been in Nigeria recently and did not hold any press conference as claimed.
“Pastor Kumuyi did not at any time address a press conference or make the aforementioned statement in Lagos. He has been away from Nigeria for a considerable length of time, holding programmes in the Oceania region and the Far East,” the church added.
It further stressed that Kumuyi does not comment on political issues, noting that his focus remains solely on preaching the gospel.
“Pastor Kumuyi is well known for focusing on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He does not dabble into politics, as the false story suggested.”
The statement also warned individuals and online platforms against spreading misinformation in the pastor’s name, stating that such actions could have legal consequences.
The clarification comes amid heightened discussion surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments threatening to cut off aid or even take military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
