FCT Police Release COCIN Member Arrested Over Facebook Post Criticising Church Leaders

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has finally released a member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Mr. Victor M. Kogos, after days in detention following protests by church members who accused the church leadership of using the police to silence internal criticism.

Kogos, a member of COCIN Area 1, Garki, Abuja, was reportedly arrested on July 24, after he criticised the Regional Church Council (RCC) in a Facebook post following the launch of a book authored by Rev. Ayuba John at COCIN Asokoro in June 2026.

According to information made available to SaharaReporters, on Wednesday, Kogos accompanied photographs from the church event with comments describing the Regional Church Council as "agents of the devil," accusing its members of poor management of church affairs and decision-making processes.

His comments allegedly angered the leadership of the church's Regional Church Council, headed by Rev. Shadrach Yusufu Panle.

Other members of the council were identified as Rev. Merkuk Ripji, Vice Chairman; Rev. Princewill Dayuk, Secretary; Rev. Jeremiah Lar, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Jessica Adams, Treasurer; Barrister Lawi Sumi, Legal Adviser; and Mr. Sunday Ayuba, Member.

Sources told SaharaReporters that following the Facebook post, Kogos was invited and subsequently detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the FCT Police Command.

According to the sources, repeated efforts by his family, friends and fellow church members to secure his release were unsuccessful, with church leaders allegedly insisting that he remain in police custody.

"The entire Regional Church Council headed by Rev. Shadrach Yusufu Panle had him arrested at the FCT Police Command CID for questioning the authority of the church council," one of the sources said.

"Every effort made by family members, friends and church members to secure his release proved abortive because the church council insisted he should remain in detention until they decided otherwise."

The continued detention sparked outrage among worshippers, who staged a protest demanding his immediate release.

Photographs and videos obtained by SaharaReporters showed dozens of church members marching peacefully while carrying handwritten placards condemning what they described as intimidation and victimisation within the church.