Niger State Man Credits Speaking in Tongues for Disabling Robbers' Car in Viral Incident
David Emmanuel Adebayo, a victim of armed robbery in Minna, Niger State, has shared a remarkable testimony about how his spiritual practice of speaking in tongues allegedly disabled the attackers' vehicle during a harrowing incident that occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026. The event has gained significant attention on social media platforms, sparking discussions about faith, bravery, and personal safety.
Details of the Robbery Incident
The robbery took place shortly after Adebayo withdrew over N9 million from a third-generation bank in Niger State. Suspected armed robbers trailed him and ambushed him on Shiroro Road in Minna. The assailants seized the substantial sum of money and also took Adebayo's Toyota Camry vehicle, abandoning their own Toyota Corolla at the scene.
What made this incident particularly notable was Adebayo's unexpected response. Despite being outnumbered and facing armed attackers, he managed to recover one of the rifles used by the robbers during the confrontation. Shots were exchanged between both parties, but fortunately, no fatalities were recorded.
The Spiritual Testimony
During a service at Omega Fire Ministries on Sunday, March 8, Adebayo provided a detailed account of his experience. He explained that he was fasting on the day of the robbery and was guided by what he described as the Holy Ghost during the encounter.
"I was praying in tongues, because that day I was fasting," Adebayo recounted. "God gave me the grace. I collected the ammunition. They were firing at me. But I don't know how God gave me the wisdom. I collected the gun from armed robber. And I've never shoot before. I don't have any training. I was speaking in tongue."
Adebayo described approaching the robbers' vehicle and declaring: "I went to the front of their car. I shoot at the driver. I said, this car will not move, unless I'm not serving the God of my father. I said, this car will not move. Unfortunately, they start the car, but their car refused to move. So, they have no other choice than to go with my car."
Understanding Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, represents a spiritual phenomenon where individuals utter sounds or words typically interpreted as divine or angelic languages unknown to them. This practice commonly occurs during fervent prayer or worship sessions and holds particular prominence within Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian traditions, where it is regarded as a gift of the Holy Spirit intended to edify the speaker or provide messages for the community.
Recovery of the Vehicle
Following the robbery, Adebayo expressed confidence that he would recover his vehicle, particularly because it contained a photograph of his father. His prediction proved accurate when his wife contacted him while he was traveling to Lokoja, informing him that the car had been discovered abandoned in a nearby bush.
"But fortunately, they have took away my money," Adebayo acknowledged. "But I thank God as they were shooting, the bullets just scratched my body and my clothes. God preserved me. I thank God for everything he has done in my life."
Police Response and Investigation
Wasiu Abiodun, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, has confirmed the robbery incident. Police operatives attached to the Tudun-Wada Division responded to the scene and recovered both the abandoned Toyota Corolla and the rifle left behind by the fleeing robbers.
Abiodun stated: "Police operatives attached to the Tudun-Wada Division later moved to the scene where they recovered the rifle and the abandoned vehicle." The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation as authorities continue efforts to apprehend the suspects.
Public Reaction and Safety Considerations
The viral video of the incident has generated mixed reactions from social media users and the general public:
- Some viewers have praised Adebayo for his bravery and faith during the dangerous encounter
- Others have expressed concern that his actions were extremely risky and should not be encouraged as a model for responding to armed robbery situations
- The incident has sparked broader conversations about personal safety, spiritual practices, and appropriate responses to criminal threats
Broader Security Context
This incident occurs within a broader security landscape in Nigeria where armed robbery remains a concern. In a separate development, troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army recently foiled an armed robbery attack along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, demonstrating ongoing efforts by security forces to address criminal activities on major transportation routes.
The combination of Adebayo's personal testimony, the viral nature of the incident, and the ongoing police investigation has created a multifaceted story that touches on themes of faith, personal security, and community response to criminal activities in contemporary Nigeria.
