Bishop Wale Oke, the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has issued a stern warning to the federal government, declaring that he and millions of Christians are willing to be arrested for preaching in commercial buses. He said the government should be prepared to turn stadiums into prisons if it enforces the recently passed law that imposes a N50,000 fine on preachers and hawkers in public transport.
The law in question is the redrafted Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Nigerian Senate two weeks ago. The bill introduces heavy penalties for various road and transit-related infractions, including a clause that criminalizes trading, hawking, or preaching to passengers inside commercial buses. The bill is currently awaiting assent from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"We Will Break That Law"
Speaking from the pulpit during a church service, Oke dismissed the law as evil and vowed that it would not be obeyed. He argued that the Great Commission—the instruction from Jesus to preach the gospel to every creature—supersedes any human legislation, including the proposed FRSC amendment.
"Make all the stadiums in Nigeria to become a prison; if you want to enforce that law, we are coming. We will break that law," Oke declared. "Our master told us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. You sit somewhere there, and you are saying we shouldn't preach in buses. We will preach in buses! We will preach everywhere! Because you are evil, making evil decrees. We will rather obey God than man."
Criticism of Selective Law Enforcement
The cleric did not hold back in expressing his frustration over what he perceives as a misplaced priority by the Nigerian authorities. He pointed out that serious criminals—such as killers, rapists, kidnappers, and bandits—are left to roam free, while those sharing the gospel are being targeted with punitive legislation.
"You don't go after killers, you are not going after those beheading, you are not going after rapists, you are not going after kidnappers. You are not going after bandits who are unlawfully carrying arms. You are not going after them. You are going after us who are preaching the message of peace that changes the lives of people," Oke said.
He stressed that the church would not be silenced, asserting, "We wouldn't listen to you! You are not God! Who are you? You are there for a tenure, and God will wipe all of you out!"
Divine Judgement Promised
Oke also directed a warning at the lawmakers who sponsored and supported the bill, saying they would face divine consequences unless they repent. He threatened to invoke curses on them and their families, a statement that is likely to stir controversy within political and religious circles.
"Those promoting that law, God will cut them off. We will rain curses upon you and your family unless you repent," he declared during the emotional sermon.
Context of the FRSC Amendment Bill
The Senate's decision to include preaching in the list of restricted activities in commercial buses has generated debate across the country. While the bill's sponsors argue that it aims to reduce distractions and ensure safety for commuters, many religious groups see it as an infringement on freedom of worship and expression.
If signed into law by President Tinubu, the FRSC Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 would empower law enforcement agents to arrest and fine anyone caught preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles. The N50,000 fine is substantial, and repeat offenders could face harsher penalties under the full provisions of the bill.
The PFN, which represents a broad spectrum of Pentecostal churches across Nigeria, has now effectively thrown down the gauntlet, threatening mass civil disobedience if the law comes into effect. The bishop's remarks are expected to embolden other Christian groups to voice their opposition, potentially setting the stage for a major standoff between the church and the state over the contentious clause.
Meanwhile, a video of Bishop Oke's sermon has been widely circulated online, capturing his fiery response to the Senate's decision and drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some applaud his courage, while others question the appropriateness of cursing public officials from the pulpit.
