The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a stern warning to Rev. Isaac Omolehin of Word Assembly Ministry, demanding he publicly retract what the body is calling false and defamatory statements, or face legal consequences.
The warning follows claims circulating online alleging a North-South division within CAN and the misappropriation of relief funds meant for persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria. CAN has denied both allegations outright, describing them as dangerous fabrications capable of misleading the public and inflaming religious tension across the country.
In an official statement signed by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association made its position clear. CAN says it has never received, managed, or diverted any such relief funds, and that the narrative being pushed is a calculated attempt to damage the Church’s reputation.
“These allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading,” the statement read. “CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance.”
On the question of an internal split, CAN was equally firm. The body described itself as one united and indivisible organisation, insisting there is no secession, no division, and no structural fracture of any kind.
CAN also raised concern about the fact that Rev. Omolehin made these claims publicly without presenting any evidence. The association warned that such statements risk inflaming tensions and eroding trust within the Christian community and between faith groups in Nigeria.
The statement also flagged references made to prominent Church leaders including Pastor Enoch Adeboye of RCCG, Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church, and Pastor William Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church, noting that dragging their names into unverified allegations could mislead their followers and stir unnecessary division.
Archbishop Okoh described the warning as firm and final, urging Omolehin and anyone amplifying the claims to stop immediately. CAN stated that failure to comply will leave it with no option but to pursue legal remedies to protect its integrity and that of the wider Christian community.
The association also reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to its core work, supporting Christian leaders across all regions, promoting peace and accountability, and looking after believers affected by insecurity in parts of the country.
CAN urged the public and media to rely only on verified information from its official channels, rather than amplifying unconfirmed reports at what it described as a sensitive time.