Cleric vows legal action over ‘false’ kidnapping, occult allegations
Prophet Sam Alo, a popular Nigerian cleric, has declared his intention to take legal action against individuals accusing him of kidnapping, murder, and involvement in occult practices.
Speaking during Sunday service at Christ Apostolic Church, Adamimogo Jesus City, along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos, Alo said he had initially chosen to ignore the allegations but would now defend himself in court.
“I will respond fully through the law,” he stated. “I have told my people in my hometown not to fight or curse anyone.
We will follow due process both in Nigeria and abroad, where I am also a citizen.”
The cleric described the accusations as baseless, challenging his accusers to provide evidence. “They must show the number and identity of the people they claim I kidnapped, those they allege I killed, and the location of the supposed rituals.
They must also name the herbalist they say prepared fetish items for my church and the place where I was allegedly initiated into an occult group,” he said.
Alo alleged that certain social media influencers were amplifying the claims by editing and distorting content to mislead the public. While he had ignored previous online smear campaigns, he said the situation escalated when a petition was filed against him and police charges were brought forward.
“I must respond to this legal attack to clear my name,” he said. “These influencers chase commercial gains by spreading false and sensational stories.”
On his personal life, Alo dismissed speculations linking his wife’s family to the allegations, praising them for their kindness toward him. He also denied ever bribing lawyers or police officers.
The cleric revealed he had taken a personal bank loan of N500 million to fund church projects without using church assets as collateral, attributing the success of his ministry to divine grace.
On national matters, Alo urged Nigerians to embrace positive change, arguing that the country’s problems stem from the behaviour of its citizens rather than the nation itself.
“Nigeria is not the problem; Nigerians are,” he said. “If we traded places with people from developed countries, our character would determine the outcome. We must make conscious efforts to make Nigeria better.”