Pastor Ibiyeomie Bars Internet Fraudsters From Offering at Salvation Ministries

Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has declared that his church will not accept financial contributions from members involved in internet fraud, commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo. During a recent church service on September 6, the pastor made an explicit call for anyone participating in online scams to take their tithes and offerings to different congregations.

Addressing his congregation, Ibiyeomie expressed concern that internet fraudsters operate within churches while showing no visible guilt or remorse for their activities. He characterised such conduct as fundamentally incompatible with genuine worship and faith practice.

The pastor rejected any attempt to reframe internet fraud as anything other than theft, stating clearly that the method of stealing—whether in person or online—does not change the nature of the crime. Ibiyeomie illustrated the human toll of internet fraud by recounting an incident involving a professor who fell victim to a scam and lost significant personal savings as a result.

This account underscored his broader message that fraudulent schemes cause real harm to identifiable victims. He further urged church members to distance themselves from individuals engaged in such practices.

The sermon reflects a growing tension within Nigerian churches regarding the presence of members whose income derives from criminal activity. While the sources agree on Ibiyeomie's core position rejecting fraud-generated offerings, they do not specify whether the pastor announced any formal disciplinary mechanisms or screening procedures for monitoring member income sources.