Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Popular Nigerian UK-based Pastor and founder of RIG Nation and Pioneer Church, Prophet Tomi Arayomi, has fled Nigeria with his family after his ordeal with the Department of State Services, DSS, which quizzed him on Friday.
The cleric and his wife were on Good Friday, picked up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, upon their arrival to Nigeria for a preaching engagement in one of their local branches.
They were taken to the DSS headquarters where they were detained along with one of their aides.
But the Pastor and his wife were later released apparently following pressures from the media but their aide is still under custody, according to a source close to them.
The cleric’s twin brother, Tobi Arayomi, had alleged that the arrest was politically motivated, saying it might not be unconnected with his prophecies about Nigeria which the government considers inciting.
Meanwhile, the man of God who on Monday morning, disclosed that he had fled Nigeria with his family, vowed never to give God rest “until Nigeria becomes a praise.”
“We remain resolute that we will return to the nation that we have grown to call our home but for now we will continue to press, pray and give God no rest until Nigeria becomes a praise in the earth.”
Although he refused to give details of the investigation by the DSS, he said they were yet to be told their offense.
Narrating their harrowing experience in the hands of the secret police, the cleric said they were initially locked inside a room with no real knowledge of the reasons for their arrest.
The prophet said they were released after hours of interrogation.
He said in a statement: “Our pictures were taken, fingerprints and data collected and we were locked inside a room with no real knowledge as to the grounds for our arrest.
“After a lengthy interrogation, it appears the media and social media pressure forced DSS to release my wife and I.
“My aide still remains under DSS custody and thus far, DSS has been elusive as to his exact whereabouts.”
According to the statement, the decision to “leave Nigeria abruptly” with his family was due to concern over their well-being.
“This decision did not come lightly but with considerable prayer and counsel from our board, trustees, colleagues in the ministry and respective families,” the cleric said.
“I can confirm that we are safe and will continue to work and pray for a new Nigeria.
“We did not come to Nigeria under any illusion of comfort. We came to serve the Lord, fully aware of the danger.
“We want you to know that Tahmar and I remain strong and unwavering in our commitment to Nigeria and the many great leaders we have encountered during our time there.
“We want to thank every leader and friend who reached out, called, texted, posted. We are so grateful. This is not goodbye. This is see you soon! In a new and better Nigeria.”
