Alleged WhatsApp conversations involving Nigerian cleric Apostle Sam Adegoke Pamilerin and a female member of his congregation have surfaced online, days after the pastor publicly admitted to having sexual relationships with several women before his marriage.
The screenshots, which were shared on Instagram on October 5, reportedly show conversations between the cleric and a woman in which he asked questions about her emotional and personal boundaries.
In one of the alleged exchanges, Pamilerin reportedly asked the woman whether she was afraid that something emotional or romantic could develop between them. He also asked whether she could handle being vulnerable with him.
In another conversation, the woman reportedly opened up about a previous relationship and explained why she was afraid of becoming emotionally vulnerable. The cleric allegedly responded by asking what she wanted.
Another screenshot showed the pastor apparently advising a woman to end a romantic relationship quickly, while offering himself as someone she could turn to for emotional support.
The emergence of the alleged chats comes shortly after Pamilerin released a public statement acknowledging that he had been involved in sexual relationships with multiple women before getting married.
In the statement, the cleric apologised to the women involved, his wife, family, church members and others who had trusted him as a spiritual leader. He also said he had stepped away from public ministry and social media to reflect, seek counsel and confront issues from his past.
Pamilerin said he was taking responsibility for his actions and would continue to seek spiritual, pastoral and professional accountability as he worked towards making amends and changing his conduct.
The newly surfaced screenshots have since generated strong reactions online, with Nigerians debating the conversations, the responsibilities of religious leaders and the need for accountability when allegations of misconduct arise.
However, the authenticity and full context of the alleged private conversations have not been independently established by the reports.
