Nigerian Pastor Granted Bail Following Arrest Over Criticism of Prosperity Preacher
The Nigerian police have granted bail to Apostle Festus Alilu, the senior pastor of Word of Power Gospel Church International in Ughelli, Delta State, who was arrested for criticizing Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s Place International Church, a well-known prosperity preacher.
Apostle Alilu was granted bail on Saturday evening after spending approximately two days in police custody. Prior to his release, Pastor Komaiya had met with representatives from Alilu, setting conditions for resolving the matter.
Alilu was taken into custody by the police on Thursday following controversial statements he made against Pastor Komaiya. The arrest came after Alilu posted a video on his official Facebook page in which he accused Komaiya of misleading church members with fabricated prosperity teachings.
A source confirmed that Alilu had been granted bail, revealing that at the meeting between the two clerics and their aides, Komaiya demanded that Alilu issue a public apology before the matter would be withdrawn. Alilu was required to make a video apologizing and publicize it online, in addition to preaching about the apology in his church.
Alilu had alleged that Komaiya’s sermons were designed to exploit congregants' faith by promoting financial breakthroughs and success through offerings and tithes, a practice commonly associated with the prosperity gospel.
Pastor Komaiya is a senior figure within The Master's Place International Church, a rapidly growing congregation with a large following in Nigeria. Known for his charismatic preaching style, Komaiya has built a reputation on the promise of divine prosperity, teaching that faith and consistent giving lead to material wealth and personal success. Despite ongoing criticism, his teachings reflect the broader prosperity gospel movement, which has gained significant influence in Nigeria and across Africa.
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