A Nigerian clergyman, Rev’d John Adeleke of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, has debunked claims linking him to an alleged case of rape in South Africa said to have occurred in 2021/2022.
In a statement released on Facebook on Tuesday, Rev’d Adeleke said some individuals have been attacking him online, mistaking him for one “Johnson Adeleke” who is being accused of the act.
“My name is John Adeleke, not Johnson Adeleke,” he stated. “I am a pastor in the Nigerian Baptist Convention here in Nigeria. I have not been to South Africa in my life.”
The clergyman described the allegations as false and damaging, stressing that he is a responsible citizen committed to the work of God and service to humanity.
“I am NOT a rapist,” Rev’d Adeleke said. “It is painful to see my name and image being dragged into something I know nothing about. I urge the public to verify facts before making such dangerous assumptions.”
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the claims and refrain from sharing unverified information that could tarnish a person’s reputation.
