Celestial Church members assault Punch journalist

 

A PUNCH journalist, Deji Lambo, has been reportedly assaulted by members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Sharon Parish, Mobolaji Benson Street, Lowa, Igbooluwo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

According to The PUNCH, Lambo was said to have visited the church to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death of an electrician, Taiwo Akinlotan, who got electrocuted while fixing some electrical appliances in the church on Friday, November 5, 2022.

Lambo was however subjected to beating from the church members while he was trying to carry out his findings.

“Afterwards, some church members, numbering about 30, descended on the reporter, pinned him down, seized his phones and demanded his means of identification.

“Lambo brought out his ID card but the church members seized it, pounced on him, as the security guard slapped him and labelled him a thief.

“The church members, led by a woman identified simply as Iya Ibeji, also used their mobile phones to film our correspondent during the assault.” The PUNCH stated.

He was however rescued by the Church’s spokesperson, Akin Adesanya who later confirmed that he was an employee of The PUNCH.

Reacting to the development, Adesanya said the attack was caused by a gap in communication.

He said, “It is never in our character to take laws into our hands. The unfortunate incident negates everything we preach. The security officer in question has been relieved of his role immediately and handed over to the police for further questioning.

“The two parishioners that took out their mobile phones to record the incident have also been reprimanded. Upon going through their phones, we are happy to inform you that there was no recording of any sort found in them; one took pictures and the pictures were immediately deleted.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigations were ongoing into the matter.