Nigerian TikTok influencer, Peller, has vowed to take legal action against Pastor Kesiena Esiri of the Remnant Christian Network.
The threat came after a viral video surfaced showing the pastor publicly accusing Peller and his girlfriend, Jarvis, of corrupting Nigerian youth through social media.
Pastor Esiri, in a sermon that has since made the rounds online, linked Peller’s content to the widespread failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He claimed that the influencer is a bad role model and a distraction to teenagers.
“Peller is distracting our teens” — Pastor Esiri
In his sermon, Pastor Esiri expressed concern about the increasing influence of social media creators like Peller on the minds of young Nigerians. He criticized the type of content being shared, arguing that it promotes a lifestyle that encourages laziness, immorality, and academic failure.
“It’s now common to see these things in public like they’re normal,” Esiri said. “Do you know who is mentoring your children now? It’s one guy who calls himself Peller.”
He continued, “These young people sit on his page all day. He moves around with a girl he’s not married to, doing all sorts of things. And now teenagers think it’s normal. Can they pass JAMB like that? No, they can’t.”
The pastor’s remarks immediately sparked reactions across social media, with many defending the influencer while others supported the cleric’s concerns about the moral direction of today’s youth.
Peller reacts: “we will sue the Pastor”
In response, Peller strongly denied the pastor’s claims. During a TikTok live session, the 20-year-old influencer said he would not let the accusations slide. He accused the pastor of using his name and that of his girlfriend to stir up emotions and increase church offerings.
“One pastor went to church and started preaching about Peller and Jarvis,” he said. “He said it’s because of us that his children failed JAMB. But who forced anyone to watch our videos? Nobody.”
Peller went on to accuse Pastor Esiri of trying to use the controversy to manipulate his congregation for money.
“We will sue you, Mr. Prophet,” he said. “You are using our names to collect offerings in your church. That day, all the Gen Zs probably loved you more, and they gave bigger offerings. They thought the pastor was now following Peller too.”
A growing debate on influence and responsibility
This incident has stirred a wider conversation about the role of influencers in society, especially regarding their impact on young people. Some social media users believe Pastor Esiri made a valid point about the dangers of digital distraction and unhealthy online role models.
Others argue that influencers like Peller are not responsible for academic failures, as young people still have the freedom to choose what they consume online. Many of Peller’s followers pointed out that the real problem lies in Nigeria’s education system, not in social media entertainment.
Legal action looms
While Peller did not specify the exact legal steps he intends to take, his declaration of intent to sue has added more fuel to the controversy. Legal experts have since weighed in, saying defamation lawsuits involving public figures can be complex and require solid evidence.
Still, Peller appears determined to defend his reputation. “We didn’t ask to be mentioned in any sermon,” he said. “We’re just creating content. That’s our job.”
Final thoughts
As the drama continues to unfold online, the situation reflects a broader cultural clash between traditional moral values and the fast-paced, often controversial world of digital influence. Whether the matter ends up in court or fades with time, it has already ignited a national conversation about youth, education, and the power of social media.
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