The Concerned Christian Youths (CCY) have denied claims made by a former fugitive pastor regarding his arrest, stating they were responsible for the action and not any man of God as alleged.
In a press statement signed by the group’s leader, James Paul Agama, the CCY labeled the reports circulating online as “malicious, inciteful, and fallacious,” aimed at diverting attention from the truth.
Legal Basis for the Arrest
The CCY clarified that the arrests were conducted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and its 2024 Amendment, which criminalize cyberbullying and related offenses. Section 24 of the Act explicitly penalizes individuals who transmit false or harmful messages online, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Agama stated that the arrested individuals had engaged in cyberbullying and defamatory attacks against the Christian faith and its leaders in Nigeria. “These individuals have been maliciously targeting reputable Christian leaders, and their actions warranted legal action under the provisions of the law,” the statement read.
Precedents and Global Context
The CCY cited past cases to highlight the severity of cyberbullying, including the 2023 conviction of social media influencer Okoye Blessing Nwakaego, who was sentenced to three years in prison for cyberbullying actress Eniola Badmus. They also referenced a 2021 French court ruling where 11 individuals were convicted for online harassment.
Motivation Behind the Action
Agama emphasized that the increasing misuse of social media to mock Christianity and its leaders was a direct threat to the faith and societal stability. “We cannot sit idly by while malicious elements attack the foundation of our existence as Christians and the reputations of our spiritual leaders,” he said.
The group believes that unchecked cyberbullying breeds moral decadence and lawlessness, threatening national security and risking religious and social violence. “It is in the overall interest of national security to address this social media brigandage,” the CCY stated.
Rebuttal of Allegations
Addressing claims that the arrests were orchestrated by a revered man of God, Agama categorically denied the allegations, stating: “The arrests were made by us, Concerned Christian Youths, invoking the relevant provisions of the law. Any attempt to twist this narrative further will be met with legal resistance.”
Call for Action
The CCY pledged to continue using legal means to counter attacks on Christianity and its leaders, stating: “We are armed with the truth and determined to restore sanity and protect the Christian faith from defamation.”
