Group Urges CAN To Disown Clerics Over Alleged Bribery Claims

A civil society group, the Nigerian College of Bishops and Peace Initiative Movement (NCBPIM), has called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to publicly distance itself from clerics allegedly linked to bribery and the commercialisation of spirituality to secure political appointments.

The group made the demand on Wednesday during a peaceful protest in Abuja, saying the move was necessary to protect the integrity of the Christian faith.

NCBPIM National President, Bishop Abel Kingston, said the call followed social media allegations linking some Christian leaders to bribery and fraudulent schemes aimed at influencing government appointments.

He also referenced an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving a church founder and a prominent Abuja-based figure.

According to him, the growing trend of what he described as “transactional spirituality” is an embarrassment to the body of Christ and contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“What troubles many Nigerians is the dangerous message such actions send. Christianity does not teach the buying of political offices or support spiritual manipulation for earthly power,” Kingston said.

“The body of Christ must not be associated with doctrines rooted in materialism rather than the Gospel. We must not endorse secret financial dealings disguised as prophecy.”

He urged CAN, as an umbrella body for Christian organisations, to reaffirm its commitment to truth, accountability, and ethical conduct among its members.

Kingston warned that silence from the association could be interpreted as acceptance, potentially damaging the reputation of the Church in Nigeria.

He added that holding religious titles should not shield individuals from accountability when their actions contradict biblical principles of honesty and transparency.

The group also called on security agencies to carry out thorough and impartial investigations into all individuals linked to the allegations.

Kingston stressed that justice must be seen to be done in order to deter the abuse of religious platforms for personal gain, urging Christians to return to core gospel teachings and reject materialism-driven practices.