The planned protests against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo following the latest rape allegation against him was met with armed security around COZA premises. The turn out, speared by the #ChurchToo Movement, has been massive and frankly encouraging, with protesters carrying placards in Abuja and Lagos branches of the beleaguered church.

That said, current reports emerging from the protests is that street urchins and were hired to disrupt and counter the peaceful protest, and paid N10,000 to that effect.

Came out to cover the protest against #Cozapastor, #BiodunFatoyinbo and pro-Fatoyinbo protesters emerge out of nowhere. This guy says he doesn’t know Fatoyinbo but they were paid 10k each by a guy called “Paparazzi” to come protest. #stepdownpastor #notinmychurch #notorape pic.twitter.com/p9OXX9lIx2

— Goodness Adaoyiche (@Deadlinechic) June 30, 2019

It’s bad enough the COZA beefing up security to repel protesters, but hiring thugs to undermine the voices of those who are out to protest has shown how COZA is willing to go to shield Pastor Fatoyinbo of accountability and accommodating his largesse. We will bring you updates as events unfolds.