By Nworisa Michael
A viral video circulating on social media claims that a Reverend Father in Nigeria was caught supplying arms to bandits, with some users linking the footage to ongoing narratives about religious violence in the country.
However, in a fact-check carried out by Talkexprex News findings show that the claim is misleading and based on a misrepresentation of an old news report.
The Claim
Social media users allege that a Christian priest was arrested for supplying weapons to bandits and that the incident is evidence supporting claims of targeted religious violence.
Findings
Checks reveal that the video originates from a February 4, 2025 report by TVC News, showing a police parade conducted by the Nigeria Police Force.
During the briefing, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, presented several suspects arrested for illegal possession of firearms, including a Reverend Father.
In the video, Adejobi expressed concern over the recovery of an assault rifle from the cleric, stating:
“This is what we recovered from a Reverend Father… by your status, you should not be in possession of something like this.”
The police statement clearly frames the case as unlawful possession of a firearm, not involvement in arms trafficking or supplying weapons to criminal groups.
Missing Context
The viral narrative omits key details from the original report. The priest was not the only suspect, as multiple individuals were paraded in connection with illegal arms possession. At least one suspect, speaking in Hausa, explained that he obtained a weapon after being kidnapped several times. Other suspects were linked to arms-related offences, but no direct claim was made tying the priest to bandit supply networks.
By isolating the priest and amplifying his role, the viral posts create a distorted and misleading impression of the incident.
Recycled Content
Further checks show that the video is not recent but is being reshared in 2026 to align with ongoing debates around security and religious tensions in Nigeria. This tactic reposting old footage with new or exaggerated claims is a common form of misinformation used to influence public perception.
Verdict
Misleading.
The viral video is authentic but taken out of context. While a Reverend Father was indeed arrested, it was for illegal possession of a firearm, not for supplying arms to bandits as widely claimed online.
Conclusion
There is no credible evidence linking the priest in the video to arms trafficking or banditry. The resurfaced clip selectively highlights his arrest while ignoring the broader context of a police operation involving multiple suspects.
