A Cameroonian-born pastor based in the UK, Jean Michel Tchamba, is facing multiple accusations in Nigeria. He is accused of using the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to unlawfully arrest and detain Nigerian web designer John Asanga before fleeing the country.
Business Deal Gone Wrong
According to sources close to the Asanga family, John was introduced to Pastor Tchamba in August 2023 by his sister, Blessing Asanga. The Cameroonian-born cleric, who now holds British nationality, reportedly hired John to develop IT solutions for his church, NGO, and medical projects, including websites, video content, graphics, jingles, and an advanced medical portal.
“He claimed that developers in London had quoted nearly £200,000 (approximately ₦400 million) for the portal alone. After much persuasion, John agreed to develop each portal for ₦14 million,” the family source told SaharaReporters.
Pastor Tchamba initially paid ₦7 million in instalments, enabling John to start the project. However, delays arose after part of the funds were diverted to other projects, including a church portal.
Allegations of Fraud and Threats
As John progressed with the work, he allegedly uncovered troubling activities tied to Pastor Tchamba. This included alleged money laundering and visa fraud disguised as religious initiatives. Concerned, John considered withdrawing from the project. Around this time, he discovered that the real financier of the medical project was a man named Mr. Fon. Fon had raised concerns about the project’s delays, which allegedly caused by Pastor Jean’s diversion of funds. When John disclosed this to Mr. Fon, the pastor reportedly turned hostile and began issuing threats.
On October 7, 2024, just two days before John’s wedding, armed NSCDC operatives stormed an office where John was delivering a final presentation and arrested him without prior notice or invitation.
“John was handcuffed, humiliated, and detained. At their headquarters, he endured verbal abuse, denial of medical care, and restricted access to his lawyer for three days,” the source revealed.
Despite providing evidence of Pastor Tchamba’s illicit activities, NSCDC operatives allegedly forced John to rewrite his statement multiple times. They allegedly ensured all incriminating details about the pastor were omitted. Eventually, his work was seized without full payment, and he was threatened with further disruptions to his wedding if he did not comply.
Second Arrest and Pastor’s Escape
Shortly after his wedding, John was arrested again in a dramatic raid at his residence. This time it was on allegations of stealing a laptop and phone belonging to Pastor Tchamba.
While in NSCDC custody, John was reportedly subjected to isolation, inhumane treatment, and medical neglect. He suffered a medical emergency that was ignored until an operative intervened. After three days, he was released—only to learn that Pastor Tchamba had fled the country.
John’s lawyer subsequently sent a formal demand for the outstanding payment, warning that the case would be escalated to UK authorities. However, instead of complying, Pastor Tchamba allegedly sent assassins to John’s residence twice, forcing him and his wife to go into hiding. The threats were reported to Nigerian police.
Judicial Irregularities and Incarceration
John later received a court order to appear before a Magistrate Court in Kuje. According to sources, he sensed that the magistrate had been compromised.
“The hearing lasted less than five minutes before the magistrate ordered that John be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre for one month until the next hearing,” the source said.
The magistrate reportedly set his bail conditions at two sureties and ₦10 million in physical cash, an unusually high amount for such a case.
It took the intervention of the High Court in Jabi for John to secure bail after spending 21 days in Kuje prison. The High Court judge, upon reviewing the case file, was reportedly appalled and advised John’s lawyer to file a petition against the magistrate.
Pastor Tchamba’s Defence
In response to the allegations, Pastor Jean Michel Tchamba denied wrongdoing, claiming that John had failed to deliver on their agreement.
“He refused to hand over the website for over two years. He kept telling us lies that 14 people were involved. When we arrived in Nigeria, we discovered they had collected money from us but never completed the work,” he told SaharaReporters.
When asked how much John had collected, he stated, “It’s around ₦40 million. The amount he collected from me is close to ₦40 million.”
He further alleged that John was misleading him, saying, “For two years, he kept saying he was developing the system. I repeatedly asked him to connect me with the actual developers, but he always refused. I provided him with all the tools—computers, laptops, mobile phones, and even paid his rent for a year.”
John’s Family Calls for Justice
John’s sister, Blessing Asanga, refuted the pastor’s claims, asserting that he is a compulsive liar who deliberately avoided financial obligations.
“Jean needed someone to handle his video, artwork, and everything else. Since John was skilled, I introduced them. Jean later cut me out, but when I learned what happened, I realised he had been spreading so many lies.”
Blessing stated that Jean promised to settle his debts upon returning to the UK but never did.
“Jean had promised to send the balance once he got back to the UK, but he never did. It seems to be part of his character—to avoid financial responsibilities and then blame others,” she added.
She further revealed that Jean had agreed to meet John for negotiations but changed course after aligning with individuals in Nigeria who misled him. Shortly after, the NSCDC arrested John.
“I had thought Jean was a reasonable person, but later, I learned about many things that had happened behind the scenes. Eventually, Jean left Nigeria, and he continues acting dishonestly,” Blessing said.
Legal Battle and Quest for Accountability
John and his legal team are now pursuing justice and demanding an investigation into the NSCDC’s involvement in the case. His lawyer has also petitioned the High Court, questioning the legality of his detainment and the magistrate’s conduct.
Meanwhile, Pastor Tchamba remains in the UK, where he continues to insist on his innocence. However, John’s family and legal representatives are calling for the British authorities to hold him accountable.
