Activist and lawyer, Adama Paul James has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of online attacks targeting the Christian faith and revered clerics in Nigeria.
Addressing a news conference on Monday, the lawyer condemned the surge of disparaging statements, libelous claims and malicious accusations circulating on social media platforms and blogs.
His comment came amid the arrest and detenion of a former paster turned atheist, Abraham Daniel and two others for defamation.
According to Adama, “These individuals have consistently used their platforms to launch baseless allegations against the Church and its leaders, seeking to demean and drag the Christian faith into disrepute.”
Adama specifically named one of the prominent individuals involved, Abraham Daniel, who claims to be a humanist.
He said Daniel has repeatedly insulted men of God, made defamatory statements about the Church, and described Christianity as a scam.
“Such actions are not only reckless but are also capable of inciting religious tensions in an already fragile nation. This blatant abuse of social media poses a grave threat to religious harmony and national peace,” he warned.
In response to these online attacks, Adama confirmed that he has taken legal steps by petitioning the relevant authorities.
His efforts have led to the arrest and detention of some of the suspects involved in the campaign of calumny.
He commended the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their prompt actions in addressing the issue.
Adama reminded the public of the constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion and belief. He emphasized that Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory, protect the peaceful practice of faith.
“The targeted attacks on Christianity and its clerics constitute a gross violation of these provisions. I am fully committed to ensuring that such attacks do not go unchecked,” he affirmed.
Adama vowed not to remain silent while a few disgruntled elements seek to drag the Christian faith into disrepute and sow seeds of discord in the nation.
He pledged to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
He further highlighted the global issue of social media misuse, particularly cyberbullying.
According to Adama, this problem is worsened in Nigeria by the targeted attacks on Christianity and its revered leaders, which have become fodder for content creators, resulting in widespread mockery and defamation of the faith.
“Such blasphemous acts are not only insulting to Christians but also pose a grave danger to societal harmony and tolerance,” he noted.
Adama expressed personal concern about the impact of these attacks on the future of the faith and the spiritual upbringing of younger generations. He described the experience of witnessing deeply held beliefs come under attack as harrowing and unbearable.
He called on all relevant authorities, including the Police, DSS, and other security agencies, to intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the Church and its clerics.
“To be clear, this is not a battle against free speech but against the abuse of free speech to promote hatred, falsehood, and religious intolerance. The law is unambiguous: anyone making defamatory or inciting statements must be prepared to substantiate them,” he clarified.
Adama reaffirmed his vision of fostering a society where all faiths are respected, religious harmony is upheld, and the sanctity of belief is protected.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Let this serve as a notice to all those who seek to malign the Christian faith: I will not rest until justice is served and peace is preserved,” he declared.
