“I Will Lock You Up”: Salvation Ministries’ Pastor David Ibiyeomie Vows Action Against Content Distortion By Bloggers [VIDEO]

 

Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, has sent a fiery message to bloggers and social media commentators whom he accuses of misrepresenting his teachings and stirring controversy using his name. In a recent video circulating widely on social media, the Port Harcourt-based cleric did not mince words as he declared a zero-tolerance stance towards individuals who twist his sermons or post content about him—positive or negative—without his approval.

According to Ibiyeomie, his patience has reached its limit regarding how certain bloggers portray him and his ministry. Speaking with visible intensity during one of his church services, he warned that anyone caught spreading distorted versions of his messages should be ready to face serious consequences, including arrest and detention.

He cautioned unnamed individuals, both within and outside the church, to desist from using his sermons to generate online traffic or controversy. The pastor made it explicitly clear that he would no longer entertain apologies or negotiations should the offense occur again.

“My type, when I go after people, they will now send people to come and beg. So I’m warning for the last time. Next time, there will be nothing like warning. If you dare it…” he declared, while pointing out that even the family members of potential offenders would not be able to shield them from the consequences.

His message wasn’t solely aimed at external actors. Ibiyeomie also accused some members within his own congregation of being complicit in the problem. He claimed that some individuals were planted within the church with the intention of misinterpreting and misreporting his sermons. These individuals, he said, chose to focus on specific words or phrases out of context and blow them out of proportion in online spaces, instead of absorbing the spiritual teachings for their intended purpose.

He expressed particular anger at the way bloggers often extract snippets from his sermons, spin them into sensational headlines, and in doing so, incite further misrepresentation from other digital platforms.

“They will carry news and incite other bloggers. And some of you in this church are part of it,” Ibiyeomie lamented. “They plant you inside the church and instead of you listening to the message and get blessed, you now pick one thing and twist, say what I didn’t say.”

With a hardened tone, the pastor reiterated that he is not the kind of preacher to tolerate repeated provocations or turn the other cheek. “My gospel is before you slap, I slap you. I am not that kind of pastor,” he said, suggesting that he prefers a confrontational approach when faced with malicious intent.

He continued his speech with a bold assertion of his influence and reach, stating that he doesn’t need bloggers to amplify his voice. “Don’t carry my news. I don’t want your news. You won’t make me popular. Already I am talking to the world,” he said firmly.

Ibiyeomie challenged the notion that religious leaders should remain passive in the face of public attacks or defamation. “So, when I go the other way, don’t come back to say this man of God is now using police to arrest people. Me, I will arrest you, I will lock you up. I don’t care,” he said, emphasizing that his response will be both swift and unapologetic.

To those who believe his actions may conflict with spiritual teachings about forgiveness or restraint, the pastor argued that defending his reputation and the integrity of his ministry is paramount. He expressed confidence that any attempts to rally religious sympathy or spiritual intervention on behalf of arrested individuals would prove futile. “No man of God will pray for you and succeed,” he warned ominously.

His speech has sparked widespread conversation online, with opinions sharply divided. While some support his call for stricter boundaries around digital content creation and misinformation, others have criticized the perceived heavy-handedness of his approach, arguing that public figures, especially religious leaders, should be more tolerant of scrutiny.

This is not the first time Ibiyeomie has made headlines for controversial remarks or dramatic statements. However, his recent comments suggest a new level of assertiveness in how he plans to address perceived attacks on his image and ministry.

Whether or not legal action follows this warning remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Pastor David Ibiyeomie is no longer willing to tolerate what he views as the exploitation of his name and message in the digital realm.

 

“Don't carry any news about me or my church. If not, I'll arrest and lock you up.”

-Pastor David Ibiyeomie warns, threåtens to take action against bloggers and Nigerians on social media commenting against him. pic.twitter.com/ZxpRnhZnng

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 2, 2025