New Glory Baptist Church Alleges Fresh Harassment, Ambush of Secretary, Threats to Pastors

The Executive Council of New Glory Baptist Church (formerly Ajegunle Baptist Church), Agbowo, Ibadan, has raised alarm over what it described as a fresh wave of harassment, intimidation, and coordinated attacks targeting its leaders and members.

In a statement issued on Friday, the council alleged that suspected individuals attempted to ambush its church secretary in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, near his residence. Eyewitnesses claimed that a white Micra vehicle was strategically parked at the gate of his house, with a man pretending to fix a mechanical fault while others reportedly lay in wait.

Those allegedly involved in the incident were identified as Mr. Peter Oyelola, Mr. Amos Oladeji, Mr. Akindasa Anthony, and Mr. Bukola Olalude, a driver with the University of Ibadan. Olalude was said to have been spotted loitering at the nearby BOVAS filling station but quickly retreated when confronted by a church member.

The following day, Friday, September 18, another group of men, accompanied by unknown policemen, reportedly stormed the residence of the secretary’s mother, harassing her and demanding information about her son’s whereabouts. On the same day, the church further alleged that the secretary’s wife was similarly threatened in what it described as “coordinated attacks designed to intimidate and silence.”

The intimidation, according to the council, has extended beyond the secretary. One of the pastors, Rev. Noah Adebajo, alleged that heavily armed men have been trailing his family, claiming to be acting on the orders of Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Rev. Adebajo, who is currently on annual leave, recounted how his children called in distress after their home was stormed by Rev. Akanji alongside police officers and a large crowd, forcing them to flee.

In another account, the pastor claimed he received a call from a police inspector directing him to report to the station on the orders of the Commissioner of Police. He declined, insisting that the invitation appeared to be a trap.

Recall that the church council had recently alleged that members of its Building Committee, School Board, and Secretariat were also victims of arbitrary arrests and harassment. It blamed the actions on Rev. Akanji and his legal counsel, despite pending court cases over ownership of church properties.

“These actions are unlawful, unchristian, and unbecoming of a denominational leader who claims to represent the body of Christ,” the council stated. “Instead of pursuing peace and due process, pastors and members of the church are being hunted one after another.”

The church has now called for urgent intervention from the Nigerian Baptist Convention family, the Christian community, civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigeria Police Force. It urged authorities to investigate the allegations, provide protection to its members, and ensure justice.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the council stressed that it is not calling for retaliation but for fairness, justice, and an end to what it described as “unlawful intimidation.”