Former Nigerian Cleric Confesses to 1980 Bank Robbery, Cites Religious Conversion
A prominent Nigerian cleric has publicly admitted his involvement in a major bank robbery over four decades ago, stating the crime preceded a profound religious transformation.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations disclosed the past incident in a recent foreign media interview. He confirmed that in 1980, he was part of a gang that successfully robbed a bank in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, Nigeria, stealing a significant sum of money. According to Rev. Dachomo, the operation was led by a close friend.
His confession followed a detailed recounting of what he described as a pivotal spiritual encounter. He stated that while reflecting on his past, he experienced a vision where he was surrounded by “14 demons.” In the vision, he said Jesus Christ intervened with seven angels, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Rev. Dachomo claimed to have feigned death among the carnage before being personally addressed by Jesus, an event that prompted him to beg for forgiveness and vow never to repeat his actions.
The cleric directly linked this experience to his decision to abandon crime. “That day that I encountered Jesus… The power of smoking was broken in my life,” he said, referencing another former habit. He emphasized that the encounter marked his turning point, leading him to a life of faith.
This admission presents a stark contrast between Rev. Dachomo’s violent past and his current position as a religious leader. The story highlights a personal narrative of redemption, though it brings historical criminal activity into the public record regarding a figure now associated with pastoral guidance. The disclosure raises questions about the vetting and self-reflection within religious institutions, but Rev. Dachomo’s account focuses solely on the transformative power of his claimed experience, offering no further details on the robbery’s investigation or his subsequent legal status from the 1980s.
