A chilling case of violence and suppression of press freedom has emerged from Port Harcourt, where broadcast journalist Precious Amadi alleges he was brutally assaulted, detained, and had his phones smashed—all at the hands of a pastor and members of Salvation Ministries. His crime? Reporting on a fire outbreak at the church’s headquarters.
A Shocking Allegation: Beaten, Locked Up, and Silenced
According to Amadi, who is not only a journalist but also a member of the church, the night took a terrifying turn when he arrived at the church premises to cover the incident. Rather than being met with gratitude for shedding light on the fire, he claims he was subjected to a violent attack, allegedly led by a church pastor and some congregants.
“They pounced on me, smashed my phones, and locked me in the church guardroom for hours,” Amadi recounted, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and outrage.
For hours, he says he remained confined—held hostage within the very church he once called his spiritual home.
Salvation Ministries Responds: A Dismissive Statement?
In the aftermath of the incident, Salvation Ministries released a short, seemingly indifferent statement:
“It was a minor fire at the parking store, and we thank every member of the public who helped alert the relevant agencies.”
Astonishingly, there was no mention of the alleged attack on Amadi, nor an attempt to address the claims that a journalist was physically assaulted and unlawfully detained on church premises.
This response raises alarming questions:
If the fire was so minor, why did they allegedly resort to violence and suppression?
Why the attempt to silence someone who was merely doing his job?
Is this an isolated incident, or does it reveal a dangerous trend within certain religious institutions?
The Body of Christ or a Den of Oppression?
The irony of a church—an institution meant to preach peace and truth—being accused of brutality and suppression has left many Nigerians stunned. In recent years, religious institutions have faced increased scrutiny over issues of financial misconduct, abuse of power, and now, alleged physical assault.
Amadi’s case is not just about one journalist’s suffering—it raises broader concerns about freedom of the press, accountability, and the unchecked influence of religious bodies in Nigeria.
The question remains: Will Salvation Ministries take responsibility and address these allegations, or will this be yet another case swept under the rug?
