The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has spoken candidly about his experience with law enforcement in London, contrasting it with the Nigerian police system. He remarked that unlike in Nigeria, where bribes can often influence police actions, officers in London are not susceptible to such practices.
Adeboye made this statement during the third day of the ‘Victory Hour’ programme, where he narrated a disturbing personal encounter with a woman who persistently harassed him, claiming that God had revealed he was destined to be her husband.
The respected cleric revealed that the woman in question, despite being married and holding a senior position with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), continuously insisted that she was meant to be his wife.
A Shocking Encounter
Recounting the bizarre series of events, Adeboye said, “There was a particular woman years ago, she woke up one day and came to my office and told me, ‘God said you are my husband.’ I told her I was married and I am a pastor. She herself was married, a big woman working with WAEC. One of her sons is a bank manager in Ota. From her looks, she might even be older than I am.”
He explained that despite his efforts to dismiss her claim and involve the authorities, the woman remained undeterred.
“I reported her to the police in Nigeria and asked that her husband be informed of what was happening, but she didn’t stop,” Adeboye stated. “We even involved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who told her to stop coming to the church camp, but she refused. She just laughed and said, ‘You are joking.’”
As the situation escalated, the woman reportedly began making threats against Adeboye’s wife, warning that she would eliminate her if she did not step aside.
“She told my wife, ‘If you don’t allow me to marry him, I will kill you,’” he added, recalling the severity of the ordeal.
A Chilling Phone Call in London
The situation took an even more unsettling turn when Adeboye traveled to London for a private trip to work on the RCCG Sunday School manual. According to him, no one was informed of his journey, yet upon his arrival, he received an unexpected phone call that left him alarmed.
“Then one day, I went to London to prepare the Sunday School pamphlets. I never told anyone I was coming. I wanted to do the work quietly. As soon as I got to the house in London, the phone rang—it was in the days of landlines. When I picked the phone, she said, ‘Welcome. I have been waiting for you. You will see me soon. I’m at the next bus stop,’” he narrated.
Shocked by her persistence and the fact that she had somehow tracked his movements, Adeboye resorted to a stern warning, emphasizing the difference between law enforcement in Nigeria and the UK.
“I had to threaten her that, ‘You know this is London. If you come here, I will call the police. Police here can’t be settled like the police in Nigeria,’” he said.
It was only then that the woman backed down, seemingly understanding that any legal trouble in the UK would not be as easily resolved as it might be in Nigeria.
A Mysterious End
Adeboye concluded his narration with an eerie revelation, claiming that after he prayed about the situation, he later received news that the woman had died.
“I prayed a single prayer. I don’t know how it happened, but they brought her dead body back to Nigeria,” he disclosed.
His account left many in the congregation stunned, with some reflecting on the implications of his experience. While Adeboye did not elaborate on the nature of his prayer, his words suggested that divine intervention had put an end to the ordeal.
Religious Leaders and Their Influence
As one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious figures, Pastor Adeboye’s words carry significant weight. His experiences highlight not only personal struggles but also broader societal issues. His comparison between Nigerian and UK police forces may spark conversations about much-needed reforms in Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
Religious leaders in Nigeria often wield considerable influence, with millions looking to them for guidance beyond spiritual matters. Adeboye’s comments may encourage further scrutiny of the Nigerian police system, prompting calls for more accountability and professionalism.
