Deeper Life Church Refutes Viral False Statement Attributed to Pastor W.F. Kumuyi Over U.S.–Nigeria Tensions

The Deeper Life Bible Church has firmly denied a viral online report that falsely attributed controversial remarks to its founder and General Superintendent, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, regarding the ongoing diplomatic standoff between Nigeria and the United States.

The fabricated story, which spread rapidly across several social media platforms over the weekend, alleged that Pastor Kumuyi dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria while accusing the U.S. government of attempting to “steal the country’s natural resources.” According to the report, the pastor’s supposed comments were in response to U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s recent warning that America might “invade Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government failed to protect its Christian population.

In a swift and categorical response, the Deeper Life Church issued an official statement on Sunday, November 2, 2025, via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, branding the circulating post as “false, misleading, and entirely baseless.”

“Any recent news reports or public statements being attributed to Pastor W.F. Kumuyi are false and inaccurate,” the statement read. “Pastor Kumuyi is fully engaged with the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCKHQ), which has recently held events in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Pakistan. He has not granted any press interviews or made public statements on diplomatic or political matters.”

The church emphasized that the viral report was a deliberate act of misinformation designed to exploit the pastor’s global reputation for credibility and moral authority. Church officials urged members and the general public to disregard the post and verify information through official communication channels before sharing.

The false attribution surfaced amid heightened international tension following President Trump’s remarks about alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria — comments that have drawn mixed reactions both at home and abroad. While some Americans hailed Trump’s “bold defense of faith,” many Nigerian commentators viewed his words as reckless and inflammatory, potentially aggravating an already fragile security and diplomatic situation.

The controversy also reignited domestic debates about the role of Nigerian religious leaders in national advocacy. On social media, opinions were sharply divided. Some users questioned why prominent pastors — including Kumuyi, Pastor E.A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church — have largely remained silent on the recurring violence against Christians in parts of northern Nigeria.

A user with the handle @Savenigeria2023 wrote:

“When will Nigerian pastors speak up? Your members are being murdered daily in the North and Middle Belt, yet you all go silent. Is this really Christianity being practiced in Nigeria?”

Others, however, defended Pastor Kumuyi’s neutrality, arguing that his ministry has always focused on spiritual transformation rather than political commentary. One commenter noted, “Pastor Kumuyi’s calling is evangelism, not politics. It’s unfair to drag him into geopolitical controversies based on fake reports.”

Some observers suggested that the spread of the false statement was politically motivated, linking it to ongoing propaganda wars between rival ideological groups online. “Government agents have been circulating fake posts using prominent pastors’ names to shape narratives,” one user alleged.

The incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, where unverified claims often go viral before official clarifications can catch up. Analysts warn that such misinformation campaigns can inflame social divisions and damage international relations, particularly when they involve religious and diplomatic issues.

In a concluding remark, the Deeper Life Church reiterated its commitment to truth, peace, and the global mission of the Gospel, reaffirming that Pastor Kumuyi remains focused on spreading the message of salvation through the ongoing Global Crusade initiatives.

“The Church urges all believers to reject falsehood and remain prayerful for peace in Nigeria and across the world,” the statement added.

As misinformation continues to shape public discourse, the Deeper Life episode serves as yet another reminder of how quickly truth can become a casualty in the age of viral media — and how easily the reputation of respected figures can be weaponized in digital propaganda wars.