The Deeper Life Bible Church has refuted claims circulating online that its founder, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, commented on recent diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States. The church described the reports as “false and inaccurate,” warning the public against believing statements attributed to the revered cleric that did not originate from official church channels.
The controversy began after an online platform published a sensational report alleging that Pastor Kumuyi had dismissed talk of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and accused the United States of seeking to exploit the country’s natural resources. The publication claimed Kumuyi made the remarks in reaction to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged threat to “invade Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government failed to address reported attacks on Christians.
However, in a statement released on Sunday through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Deeper Life Bible Church clarified that Pastor Kumuyi never made such comments and had not granted any interview or issued public remarks regarding the matter.
“Any recent news reports or public statements being attributed to Pastor W.F. Kumuyi are false and inaccurate,” the statement said. “Pastor Kumuyi is fully engaged with the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), which has recently held events in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Pakistan. He has not granted any recent press interviews or made public statements on other matters.”
The church’s clarification came amid growing confusion over several unverified stories shared widely on social media, many of which purported to quote Nigerian religious leaders reacting to Trump’s alleged comments. The church said the viral reports were part of a wider trend of misinformation targeting public figures in Nigeria, particularly those with large followings.
Observers note that Pastor Kumuyi, known for his calm and non-political approach to ministry, rarely comments on international diplomatic issues. His messages, both in Nigeria and abroad, have largely focused on spiritual revival, personal holiness, and social transformation through the gospel rather than political matters.
The Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), an international evangelistic outreach launched in 2021, has drawn millions of followers online and physically across continents. The programme has taken Pastor Kumuyi to several countries, including the Philippines, Kenya, Zambia, and most recently, Fiji and Pakistan, where large crowds gathered to hear him preach.
Deeper Life’s latest statement reaffirmed that the 83-year-old preacher remains focused on this global mission and has not made any pronouncements related to the ongoing diplomatic friction between Nigeria and the United States.
The controversy itself stems from reports that circulated on social media last week, quoting former President Donald Trump as accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from persecution. In the alleged remarks, Trump was said to have threatened to “invade Nigeria” if the situation continued. The claim has sparked online debates, though there has been no official confirmation from U.S. authorities of such a statement.
Following the viral post, several unverified commentaries surfaced, falsely attributing reactions to various Nigerian clergy. Among those targeted were Pastor Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church, and Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka of Adoration Ministry, Enugu. The fake statements varied in tone — from supposed denials of Christian persecution to inflammatory responses against foreign governments.
Media analysts say the episode highlights the growing problem of disinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where fake news often spreads faster than corrections. Religious leaders, because of their influence and large online presence, are frequent targets of such falsehoods.
In recent years, Pastor Kumuyi has occasionally faced similar misrepresentations. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, false reports circulated claiming that he had condemned demonstrators and called for an end to street protests. The church swiftly debunked the claim, reiterating that any authentic statement from the pastor would always come through official channels.
The Deeper Life Bible Church, founded in 1973, is one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal movements, with branches in over 60 countries. It grew from a small Bible study group into a global ministry emphasising personal holiness, evangelism, and strict Christian discipline. Pastor Kumuyi, a former university lecturer in mathematics, is widely respected for his modest lifestyle and focus on biblical teachings rather than prosperity preaching.
While the latest false reports may have spread widely, the church’s firm rebuttal appears to have calmed its members and online followers. Many supporters took to social media to defend Kumuyi’s integrity, describing him as a man who rarely speaks outside spiritual matters.
Digital analysts have urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity of statements before sharing them, especially when such statements appear on social media platforms with no credible source. They note that cloning official pages and fabricating news headlines have become increasingly common tactics used by misinformation networks.
The church also encouraged journalists to cross-check reports about its founder and ministry before publication. “We call on responsible media organisations and members of the public to disregard any misleading information circulating online. The ministry remains focused on spreading the gospel and not engaging in political debates,” the statement concluded.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger digital literacy in Nigeria, where false news has repeatedly triggered social tension. Analysts warn that fabricated stories involving religion can have serious consequences in a country where faith plays a central role in public life.
