The Christian Praying Assembly, located in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State, presents a low-key exterior that doesn’t immediately signal its identity as a church. Unlike many religious institutions, it lacks the typical signposts or welcoming signage. A few cars belonging to congregants were parked near the entrance when Sunday PUNCH visited. The church is founded by Reverend Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, also known as Reverend King, who is currently on death row.
When approached by our correspondent, a church member, mistaking him for a new attendee, offered a warm welcome but warned against phone use inside. As the correspondent was about to enter, another member, strikingly resembling Reverend King with a goatee, began praying aloud nearby.
Rev. King’s Legal Journey:
Rev. King was arrested and arraigned in 2006 for the horrific murder of a member, Ann Uzoh, and the attempted murder of five others. The church members were allegedly punished for committing fornication, with petrol poured on them and set ablaze by Rev. King on July 22, 2006. While five survived, Uzoh succumbed to her injuries on August 2, 2006. After being convicted on January 11, 2007, for murder and attempted murder, Rev. King was sentenced to death. His appeal to the Court of Appeal and later to the Supreme Court was unsuccessful, and on February 26, 2024, the death sentence was upheld. The horrific nature of his crime left a lasting impression on the public, with Justice Sylvester Ngwuta describing the case as one that could be lifted from a horror movie. The signing of his death warrant is still pending.
Current State of the Church:
The church’s premises, which resemble an unfinished construction site, stand as a shadow of what the church once was. The auditorium, which could accommodate up to 500 people, was sparsely populated during the Sunday service observed by our correspondent. This low turnout may be attributed to Rev. King’s legal troubles, which have had a significant impact on church attendance. Many congregants, however, remain hopeful that things will improve, reflecting a past era when the church commanded attention, with Rev. King leading large, lively street evangelism tours in luxurious cars.
COVID-19 Measures and Service Observations:
The church was complying with COVID-19 protocols, providing handwashing stations and ensuring congregants maintained physical distancing. The service itself was a mixture of singing and dancing, with members often expressing themselves with energetic movements. Despite the controversy surrounding Rev. King, his followers continue to revere him deeply.
In February 2024, a newspaper advertisement placed by his disciples celebrated his birthday, referring to him with honorifics like “His Holiness” and “Daddy G.O.” The church also continues to perform baptisms for new members, demonstrating that despite the ongoing legal battles of their leader, the church is determined to maintain its practices.
Benediction and Church Activities:
During the service, a senior church official delivered a solemn benediction, during which congregants energetically responded with “Amen.” This reflects the continued reverence Rev. King commands within his church.
Although it remains unclear how the church maintains communication with Rev. King in prison, reports suggest he continues to influence his followers. The church’s practices, such as the benedictions and spiritual guidance, are likely conveyed through visits from church leaders, who may pass on messages from Rev. King.
Legal Perspectives:
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, with some suggesting that the delay in signing Rev. King’s death warrant may be due to political and moral considerations. Lawyer Tunde Esan pointed out that governors have failed to sign execution warrants for over two decades, which has contributed to the prolonged status of death row inmates. Others, like lawyer President Aigbokhan, believe that Rev. King could potentially receive a pardon or a commuted sentence due to his large following, although he emphasized that the state’s decision should supersede individual claims.
Final Thoughts:
Despite the criminal case against him, Rev. King’s influence remains significant. His followers continue to gather in his church, awaiting his spiritual guidance, and continue to support him even as he languishes on death row. The church, despite its challenges, is determined to uphold its practices, with Rev. King’s teachings still alive in the hearts of his congregants.
What is Known about Ann Uzoh
Ann Uzoh is known primarily for her tragic death, which became a significant part of a high-profile case involving Reverend Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (Reverend King), the founder of the Christian Praying Assembly. In 2006, she was one of six church members who were subjected to extreme punishment by Reverend King, who allegedly poured petrol on her and five others before setting them on fire. This horrific act occurred after Reverend King accused the group of engaging in “immorality,” and it escalated to violence when he allegedly set them ablaze in a brutal punishment.
Ann Uzoh succumbed to her injuries and died on August 2, 2006, while the other victims survived but sustained serious injuries. The incident was one of the key events that led to Reverend King’s arrest and conviction for murder and attempted murder, with the court finding him guilty of setting Ann Uzoh on fire, leading to her death.
This incident caused national outrage and brought attention to issues of religious extremism, abuse of power by charismatic leaders, and the potential dangers of blind faith in religious institutions. It also marked Reverend King as one of Nigeria’s most notorious religious figures.
Views: 33