Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, has warned Nigerian Christians against spending money on Christmas clothes before paying their tithes, warning that neglecting the religious obligation could expose them to problems.
The cleric argued that believers should prioritise tithing over festive purchases. He also challenged Christians to stop attributing every misfortune to the devil without examining their commitment to the practice.
Ibiyeomie gave the warning in a video circulating online on Monday, October 26, 2026, where he stressed the importance of paying what he described as the correct tithe.
“Don’t buy a Christmas cloth when you have not paid tithe. It’s dangerous. It’s very dangerous,” he said.
To reinforce his position, the pastor recounted incidents involving vehicle tyres that allegedly burst while he was travelling with drivers he claimed did not pay their tithes.
In one account, Ibiyeomie said two tyres on his Rolls-Royce burst while a driver who allegedly failed to pay tithes was behind the wheel.
He claimed that the incident prompted him to question the driver’s religious commitment, adding that he believed the problem was connected to the driver’s failure to fulfil the obligation.
The pastor also referred to similar experiences involving other drivers, which he presented as examples of the consequences he associated with unpaid tithes.
According to him, Christians should not automatically blame spiritual attacks for every difficulty they encounter. Instead, he urged them to examine their actions and religious responsibilities.
“Not everything is the devil,” Ibiyeomie said, insisting that believers should take their obligations seriously rather than attribute every setback to external spiritual forces.
He further issued a warning ahead of the festive season, urging Christians not to divert money meant for tithes towards Christmas celebrations.
“I’m telling you this December, don’t tamper with your tithe. Otherwise, they may rush your children,” he said.
Ibiyeomie also criticised believers who, according to him, paid arbitrary amounts instead of calculating their tithes based on what he considered the appropriate amount.
“Many of you are Christians, but don’t pay the correct tithe. You pay as you like. It’s not pay as you go. Pay correct tithe,” the cleric added.
His comments place renewed attention on the debate surrounding tithing and the financial responsibilities churches encourage their members to fulfil, particularly during the Christmas season, when many households face additional expenses.
However, the incidents involving tyre bursts and their alleged connection to unpaid tithes were claims made by the pastor in the video.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
