Society
CCC Pastor Oshoffa Invokes Cybercrime Law Over Unauthorised Church Statements
against any clergy or laity who issues unauthorised press statements on the doctrines and administrative
The Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Worldwide, Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa has warned that the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 would be invoked against any clergy or laity who issues unauthorised press statements on the doctrines and administrative affairs of the church.
The directive was contained in a pastoral memo dated July 15, 2026, with reference number CCC/EMF/PO/PD/CIR-05/07-26, addressed to Regional Evangelists, District Evangelists, Area Evangelists, Shepherds and all members of the church.
According to the directive, any unauthorised press statement concerning the doctrines and administrative affairs of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide is henceforth prohibited.
It stated that the ban applies to both clergy and laity, warning individuals and groups not authorised to speak on behalf of the church to desist from making public statements on its behalf.
The memo reads: “This ban is applicable to all clergy and laity of the church. Henceforth, under no circumstance should any clergy or laity issue any unauthorised press statement on the doctrines and administrative affairs of the church.”
The church also prohibited the dissemination of prophecies and spiritual messages concerning its affairs on social media platforms without approval.
It said: “Also, prophecies and spiritual messages concerning the Church must not be disseminated through social media platforms. If anyone has a need to disseminate any such information, such individuals or groups should get in touch with the administrative unit of the Office of the Pastor and Spiritual Head, C.C.C Worldwide.”
The directive further warned that violators would face legal consequences.
It stated: “Note that the provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015 would be invoked on any individual or group, clergy or laity, that violates this pastoral directive.”
The memo concluded with a warning to members to comply with the directive, saying: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed!”
