Popular cleric Pastor Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, widely known as Odumeje, has sparked reactions online after warning Nigerians against stealing, saying those caught now face severe consequences because of growing public frustration over the country’s economic hardship.
Speaking during a sermon, Odumeje said this is not the right time to engage in theft, warning that angry citizens could take the law into their own hands.
He said, “Please If You’re Stealing, This Is Not The Best Time To Do It. It’s Better You Stop Now, Because If You’re Caught, The Kind Of Punishment You’ll Receive These Days Will Be Severe And Very Humiliating Because Many Nigerians Are Taking Out Their Anger And Frustration Over The Hardship Under President Tinubu’s Administration On Anyone Caught Stealing.”
His remarks quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.
Reacting, @SrBez_ wrote, “Supe superu! 😆😆 Nwanne taba Òse! 😭😭😭😭😭😭.”
@IykeNwaObi commented, “Everyone is angry now. If you steal, you might not survive the beating and the entertainment you will deliver. Just don’t make any attempt to steal at all.”
@Dorren06 said, “🤣🤣 if you st£al, you go dance T!ff dance. Nigerians are no longer joking.”
@chinemelumma wrote, “No matter how tough the economic hardship is, people shouldn’t indulge in theft.”
@Raenarcos reacted, “You go dance Abi you no wan dance.”
@Erniechisom commented, “No thief this period plenty style dey.”
@Agbomjrn wrote, “Nigerians are frustrated over the hardship Tinubu is causing, both the criminal and the owner are all victims of the wicked government of Tinubu.”
@Eche0147 added, “Do everything but don’t steal, don’t Rape.”
@Kingsleygrini1 joked, “This man hand gesture dey mad me 😂😂😅.”