Oyedepo Sparks Debate, Tells Members to Give Kidnappers His Phone Number if Abducted

Oyedepo Sparks Debate, Tells Members to Give Kidnappers His Phone Number if Abducted

Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has stirred widespread reactions after asking members of his church to hand over his phone number to abductors if they are kidnapped, saying he has the spiritual authority to secure their release.

The cleric made the statement during a service at Canaanland in Ota, while delivering a sermon tagged #SupersonicSunday, which has since gone viral on social media amid Nigeria’s ongoing security concerns.

Addressing worshippers, Oyedepo urged them not to panic in the face of abduction but to act in faith. “If anybody picks you, give them my number,” he said, suggesting that kidnappers could be engaged directly through him.

He anchored his directive on past experiences, recounting instances where abducted members of his church allegedly regained freedom following what he described as spiritual interventions.

In one example, Oyedepo said a pastor linked to the church was kidnapped and allowed to contact him. According to the cleric, he warned the abductors to release the victim or face dire consequences within 24 hours, after which the captive was reportedly freed.

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He also narrated the case of a female church member who, while in captivity, declared she would regain freedom by a specific time through faith. He claimed the woman was later released following unexpected developments among her captors.

Oyedepo told congregants that such testimonies demonstrate that believers possess spiritual authority over fear, violence, and adversity. He urged members to rely on faith rather than fear, adding that they carry the same spiritual power and should learn to exercise it in difficult situations.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some supporters described the message as a demonstration of strong faith and leadership, others questioned the practicality and safety implications of advising kidnap victims to engage abductors in such a manner.

The development comes amid persistent kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, which continues to affect communities across the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South. Victims have included commuters, students, clerics, and residents in both rural and urban areas.

Security experts generally advise victims and their families to prioritise safety, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and avoid actions that could escalate risk during abduction incidents.

Oyedepo’s comments have further fueled public debate on the intersection of faith, security, and crisis response, as religious leaders increasingly weigh in on national insecurity and how citizens should respond.

Authorities have continued to emphasise vigilance and collaboration with security agencies as efforts intensify to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

Oyedepo Sparks Debate, Tells Members to Give Kidnappers His Phone Number if Abducted