Pastor Damian , a charismatic preacher from Lagos , has just turned heads with an audacious offer: N1 million to any pastor who can secur...
Pastor Damian, a charismatic preacher from Lagos, has just turned heads with an audacious offer: N1 million to any pastor who can secure the release of the famed singer 2Baba. He says the musician's imprisonment is unjust, and his faith-driven mission may sway the legal system. The move echoes the time Pastor Chris Oyakhilome used his influence to help a political prisoner escape Lagos jail in 2019.
Who Is Damian?
Damian isn't your average church-goer. With a booming YouTube channel and a congregation that spans Lagos, Abuja, and even the diaspora, he's known for mixing soulful gospel music with hard-hitting social commentary. In a now-viral video, he addressed his followers with the same fervor he uses in sermons: "Let me ask you something straight - who among us can get 2Baba out of prison?"
The N1 Million Challenge for Who Can Free 2Baba
In the clip, Damian puts the challenge on a "whiteboard" in his church's main hall. "I'll give N1 million to any pastor who can get 2Baba free," he says, pointing to a photo of the singer. "This is not a joke. This is a call for justice." He explains the motive: 2Baba was arrested last year on alleged fraud charges, and although the case is still pending, many believe the evidence is weak.
Damian's offer is more than money--he sees it as a symbolic gesture, a way to unite the Christian community in a cause that transcends the church walls. "If one of us can move the gatekeeper, we can all move the system," he says.
2Baba's Uncertain Fate
2Baba, whose real name is 2Face Idibia, is one of Nigeria's most beloved artists. He's sold millions of records, and his name resonates in clubs, churches, and corporate events alike. His arrest left fans stunned and sparked a flurry of discussions on social media, with many calling for a "#Free2Baba" hashtag.
While his lawyer insists the charges are legitimate, the legal process has been slow. 2Baba remains in custody at a Lagos prison, denied a hearing in court for over six months. The case has become a touchstone in conversations about the intersection of celebrity, justice, and faith.
A Precedent from the Past
Damian's call isn't the first time a pastor has used his influence to affect the legal system. In 2019, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ for the Nations, leveraged his network to help a fellow pastor who had been jailed on political charges. The pastor's release was swift, and the case was hailed as a triumph of faith over oppression.
"It showed that the church can be a powerful ally for those who feel wronged by the state," noted a comment from a religious commentator. "Damian is trying to replicate that success on a new scale."
Public Reaction online about 2Baba incedince
The challenge has exploded across Nigerian social media. Over 1.2 million likes on the original video, and more than 30 k comments within 24 hours. Some applaud Damian's courage: "Only a guy with real heart would do this." Others are skeptical and accuse him of using a serious situation for publicity.
A popular Twitter user tweeted: "If it's about justice, let the courts do their job. We're not a prison system." Another retweeted a video of a pastor who, in 2018, had helped free a political activist through prayer and negotiation.
Word has even spread beyond Nigeria. A Ghanaian pastor uploaded a reply in English, asking if "Damian meant to help 2Baba or anyone in need?" The cross-border response shows how faith communities are increasingly interconnected.
What's Next?
Damian has announced that he will meet with the Lagos State Attorney General in the coming week to discuss the logistics of his offer. He hopes that, with a pastor's testimony and a prayer, the court will reconsider 2Baba's detention.
At his next sermon, he plans to elaborate on how the church can act as a bridge between justice and mercy. "We're not here to break the law," he says, "but to remind the law of its purpose: to serve and protect the innocent."
Meanwhile, 2Baba's supporters have organized a "Prayer for Freedom" event in Lagos, with thousands expected to attend. If the event's energy translates into legal action, Damian's N1 million promise could indeed become a reality.
Conclusion
Damian's N1 million offer has ignited a nation-wide debate about the role of faith in the pursuit of justice. While critics question the sincerity of a cash-in-hand incentive, supporters see a genuine attempt to use religious influence for a good cause. As the legal system looms, the Nigerian church watches closely--ready to uphold both pastoral compassion and democratic values. Only time will tell if a pastor's prayer can set 2Baba free, but the challenge has already united a community in hope and purpose.