By Adesakin Adefemi
The Christian Association of Nigeria on Wednesday denied allegations of an internal split and diversion of relief funds, describing the claims as “entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading” while threatening legal action against those spreading them.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN dismissed reports suggesting a division along Northern and Southern lines, as well as claims that money meant for persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria had been mismanaged. The association stressed it had neither received nor managed any such relief funds, adding that “no funds have been diverted under any circumstance.”
“We state, in the clearest possible terms: these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading,” CAN said. “The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute.”
The body maintained it remains united, with no split or secession in its structure. “CAN remains one united and indivisible body. There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
Archbishop Okoh warned that the association would not tolerate attempts to erode trust in the Church, urging individuals circulating the claims to “desist immediately.” He added that failure to do so would compel CAN “to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to protect its integrity and that of the Christian community.”
CAN did not name the source of the allegations but said the reports had gained traction online and risked undermining public confidence in its work with vulnerable Christian communities across the 36 states and FCT.
The group urged the public and media to disregard the claims and rely solely on its official channels for verified information, stressing that its structures nationwide remain intact.
