I was part of 1980 bank robbery — Rev. Dachomo

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations has publicly recounted his involvement in a 1980 bank robbery in Jos, Plateau State, claiming a dramatic spiritual encounter led to his transformation.

In an interview with foreign media, Dachomo admitted he was part of a gang that successfully robbed a bank, led by a close associate.

He described a life-changing event he said occurred that night, in which he claimed Jesus appeared with seven angels, confronting the gang and prompting him to seek forgiveness:

“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.”

Dachomo said the encounter marked a turning point in his life, leading him to abandon criminal activities and personal habits, including smoking.

However, his account has generated skepticism. Sheikh Yusuf Haruna Baban Chinedu, popularly known as Baban Chinedu, strongly disputed Dachomo’s version, alleging he fabricated the story: “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 hid among the corpses and was rescued by a gang member, not God.”

Baban Chinedu further accused Dachomo of shifting from a “practical, street-level bandit” to a “spiritual bandit,” suggesting his claims could incite religious tension.

Dachomo’s testimony has divided public opinion, with some viewing it as a story of redemption, while others question its accuracy and historical verification.