March 28, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Public outrage is mounting in Nigeria following the prolonged detention of a Methodist cleric in Taraba State by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), with authorities yet to disclose any formal charges against him weeks after his arrest.
The cleric, identified as Reverend Beziel of the Global Methodist Church, was reportedly arrested in the early hours of February 22, 2026, after DSS operatives stormed his residence around 2 a.m. and took him into custody without prior notice or explanation.
According to accounts from church members, the pastor has remained in detention for several weeks without any official statement from security authorities regarding the alleged offence. The situation has triggered widespread concern among his congregation and rights advocates, who describe the detention as unlawful and lacking due process.
Sources close to the church further alleged that efforts were made to secure the cleric’s release, including the reported payment of ₦15 million. However, despite the alleged payment, the pastor has not been freed, deepening fears among supporters and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his continued detention.
A church member, who spoke on the matter, expressed frustration and confusion over the situation, stating that the congregation remains in the dark about the reasons for the arrest. The source also revealed that the cleric has reportedly been transferred from DSS custody to a correctional facility in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The lack of transparency from authorities has intensified calls for accountability, with critics warning that the case reflects broader concerns about arbitrary arrests and the violation of fundamental human rights. As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued any official explanation regarding the detention or the alleged offence committed by the pastor.
The development continues to generate national attention, with observers urging the Nigerian government and relevant agencies to clarify the circumstances of the arrest and ensure adherence to the rule of law.