CAN Denies Split, Says No Relief Funds Missing

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has rejected what it describes as a series of false, malicious, and deeply defamatory allegations suggesting a North-South division within the body and the diversion of relief funds meant for persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the president of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Wednesday, CAN leadership moved to quash the rumors, warning the public to disregard what it called a deliberate fabrication aimed at eroding trust and bringing the Church into disrepute.

“We state, in the clearest possible terms: these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading,” Okoh stated.

Okoh, who addressed the two primary claims directly, insisted that no financial impropriety has occurred.

“For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance.

“The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute,” he said.

While addressing speculation about a fracturing of the organisation along regional lines, CAN was unequivocal, saying, “CAN remains one united and indivisible body. There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded.”

The Christian association specifically called out Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry in Ilorin, accusing him of propagating baseless claims without evidence and without regard for the potential consequences on national cohesion.

CAN also expressed concern over what it termed unwarranted references to respected Christian leaders, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi, accusing unnamed parties of attempting to inflame unnecessary tensions.

CAN issued a final caution to Rev. Omolehin and others who may be spreading similar narratives.

“Accordingly, we issue a firm and final caution to Rev. Isaac Omolehin and any other individuals or groups who misuse their platforms to disseminate unverified or defamatory claims: desist immediately.

“Failure to do so will compel the Association to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to protect its integrity and that of the Christian community,” he stated.

The Christian organisation urged the public, media, and international community to rely only on verified information from official CAN channels, reaffirming its commitment to truth, unity, accountability, and service to all Nigerians.