Nigerian street preacher disputes police account of his arrest.
LONDON, UK (ANS) — A Nigerian street preacher claims police drove him five miles away after arresting him for breaching the peace before releasing him without charge.
London’s Premier Radio reports that in the latest update from the team supporting Oluwole Ilesanmi, who ran into trouble and had his Bible confiscated while preaching outside Southgate underground station, further details have been released regarding what happened after his arrest.
Campaign group Christian Concern claims he was taken to nearby Wrotham Park and left, as previously reported, without any money to get home.
The group says with the help of a stranger, he was able to get on a bus and later that evening returned to the scene of his arrest to continue preaching.
The details of his treatment come after the Metropolitan Police told Premier that he had been walked 200 metres out of the area before being shown to a nearby bus stop.
Christian Concern has launched a petition calling for action from the government to protect street preachers.
In a letter addressed to the Home Secretary, it says: “Christian street preachers should be free to share the gospel, even where it means challenging the beliefs of others.
“Please urgently investigate what guidance and training is being given to police officers nationwide to ensure that they protect the freedom to preach in public.”
Premier has contacted the Metropolitan Police in regards to the latest claim and is waiting for a response.
