Enemies against existence of Celestial church behind my ordeal, says Pastor arrested by Task force
Prophet Ademola Elijah, a Shepard of Celestial Church of Christ cathedral, Possibility solution, in Ogun state has cried out that cynics in his community were behind his arrest by the police.
Elijah was arrested by the Ogun state Covid-19 task force on April 26in his church in Asero, Abeokuta over an allegation that he was holding services despite the government’s ban on religious gathering.
But, Prophet Elijah in a statement he personally signed refuted the claim that he was caught while holding service.
He explained that the state task force that came to arrest him met just four person with him.
The Celestial pastor further explained that he had not violated the ban on religious gatherings and had stopped holding services in his church since the government’s order was announced.
He described the allegation as fake and misinformation by some suspected members of his community that were against the existence of the Celestial church in the area.
Prophet Elijah narrated, “it was true that on Sunday April 26 at about 10;30 am, the Ogun state COVID-19 task force stormed my church premises at Oganla Bello street, OGD housing estate, Asero on an intelligence report that I have been holding service since the government of the state gave directive putting a ban on religious gathering.
“But, when the task force got to my church, we were not holding any service contrary to the intelligence report they claimed to have received. The task force met me, my wife who just lost a child and three close relatives in the church premises and none of us were putting on our usual white garment because we don’t have intention of holding service.
“We were embarrassed, whisked away and taken to the task force office around Agbeoloba area of Abeokuta in the state.
“We were questioned and after they discovered that most of what happened were just a propaganda and tactics by some of the enemies in my community that don’t want the existence of the church in the area, the Police task force released me alongside the other people that were arrested with me.”
The prophet further noted that since the lock down, he had been engaging members of his church on social media.
He stressed that he would do anything to support the government’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus.
“I also need to make it clear that since the government gave that directive on the ban of religious gathering, I have been engaging members of my church in an online services; I speak to them on Whatsapp groups and also by posting some of my lectures and service on Facebook.
“There was nothing like holding service; I am a learned person and I am ready to support the government to any length especially where I am and the part of the church I belong to as a celestial persons, I want to say emphatically that whoever that said that is just trying to bring me down. I have not been holding any service aside from my online service.” He said.
Speaking on allegation that he was also arrested because of N20 million scandal, the Celestial Pastor denied the allegation.
He described such rumour as a false report that is meant to malign his personality.
He added, “my attention has been drawn to the fake reports going on social media that I was arrested by the Ogun state COVID-19 task force because of an alleged N25 million scandal.
“It should be noted that I was never arrested by the men of the Nigeria Police Force because of any money; it is purely a lie from the pit of hell.”
On his efforts as pastor in fight COVID-19, Pastor Elijah said, “I am one of the few pastors that has keyed into the agenda of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration and I will not do anything that will jeopardize the efforts of the government in fighting COVID-19 in the state.
“A part of way to support the government, I have fed and provide little cash for no fewer than 535 residents of the state and I am still committed to doing more in weeks to come.
“I really want to use this medium to also appreciate our governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his courage and support for the people of the state.
“He has proven that he is the government of the people because by now we should have known what it really means to be in pandemic, but he has make it more easier for the people of the state.
“I will advised them not to look back, they should keep on going at the rate they are going and they should continue to assist the people in ensuring that we all fight this COVID-19 together.
“Together, we will win the war against COVID-19.”
