From Armed Robber to Pastor: Nigerian Cleric Says Jesus Appeared During 1980 Bank Robbery

“A Nigerian cleric’s startling confession about his alleged role in a 1980 bank robbery—and his claim of a supernatural encounter with Jesus—has ignited intense debate, drawing both belief and backlash across religious and public circles.”

“Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a Nigerian cleric, has claimed he participated in a 1980 bank robbery in Jos but experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus that led to his transformation. His account has sparked controversy, with critics disputing the supernatural elements and questioning the story’s credibility.”

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations has publicly recounted his alleged involvement in a 1980 bank robbery in Jos, Plateau State, attributing his transformation to what he described as a dramatic spiritual encounter.

Speaking in an interview with foreign media, Dachomo admitted he was part of a gang that carried out a successful bank heist, allegedly led by a close associate.

He claimed that the turning point in his life occurred during the operation, when he experienced what he described as a divine intervention involving Jesus and angels.

“I didn’t know I was operating with 14 demons until Jesus encountered me. That night, there was war. I began to beg for forgiveness, promising I would never do it again,” he said.

According to Dachomo, the encounter marked a decisive break from his past, leading him to abandon criminal activities and personal habits, including smoking, and eventually embrace a life of ministry.

However, his account has sparked widespread skepticism and controversy.

Sheikh Yusuf Haruna Baban Chinedu, popularly known as Baban Chinedu, strongly disputed Dachomo’s claims, alleging the narrative was fabricated.

“It was a gun that shot them, not angels. He claims Jesus came down with seven angels who killed fourteen people—he is lying,” he said.
“He hid among the corpses and was rescued by a gang member, not God,” he added.

Baban Chinedu further accused Dachomo of evolving from a “practical, street-level bandit” to what he described as a “spiritual bandit,” warning that such claims could inflame religious tensions.

The conflicting narratives have divided public opinion, with some interpreting Dachomo’s testimony as a powerful story of redemption, while others question its credibility and historical accuracy.