The rise of dubious Nigerian churches in Europe: A wake-up call for parents, youths

By Joe Afolayan

As the summer holidays wind down and Nigerian families prepare their children for a new academic year abroad – especially in European countries UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands – there is a hidden but growing threat that parents and guardians must urgently address. It is not drugs, cultism, or racism – although those remain relevant concerns. It is the alarming rise of unregulated, exploitative churches set up by unqualified Nigerians posing as pastors.

While religion plays a vital role in the Nigerian identity – offering spiritual grounding, moral compass, and community support – this same faith has, in some places, been weaponised and commercialised by opportunists abroad. Today, across several European cities, so-called “pastors” are setting up churches not for the work of the gospel, but for personal enrichment, sexual gratification, social power, and, in some cases, criminal enterprise.

This article serves as a timely warning to Nigerian parents and guardians sending their young adults to Europe this September: not all Nigerian churches abroad are what they claim to be.

Many of these churches start off as house fellowships or prayer groups. Gradually, they expand into full-blown ministries—registered as charities or religious organisations. Yet, behind the holy language and religious branding lies a very different motive: money, influence, and exploitation.

The individuals behind these churches often have no formal theological training, no spiritual oversight, and no accountability structures. They adopt titles like “Apostle,” “Prophet,” or “Senior Pastor,” and begin to present themselves as God’s mouthpieces. Some even go as far as claiming divine revelations, promising prosperity, visas, or healing—all in exchange for financial offerings, loyalty, and often, silence.

Unfortunately, the victims of these manipulative schemes are often young Nigerians—students who are far from home, emotionally vulnerable, and eager to find a spiritual family abroad. What starts as a warm welcome quickly transforms into a web of control and exploitation.

It may be shocking to some, but many of these so-called churches have become breeding grounds for fornication and adultery. Stories abound of pastors who manipulate female members—especially single women or women in troubled marriages—into inappropriate relationships under the guise of “deliverance sessions” or “prophetic instructions.”

Some male and female church leaders use their positions to take sexual advantage of members, while keeping up a façade of holiness on the pulpit. Youths who join these churches with the hope of spiritual growth are often drawn into toxic social environments where manipulation, sexual immorality, and abuse of power thrive.

A number of these churches function like social clubs or dating pools, with “prophets” and “prophetesses” playing matchmaker—often breaking existing relationships and families in the name of spiritual alignment. Parents back in Nigeria have no idea that their children, whom they have sent abroad with hopes of success and maturity, are entangled in unhealthy church cults.

Beyond sexual exploitation, financial abuse is perhaps the most rampant vice within these fake churches. Congregants are pressured into giving tithes, sowing “dangerous seeds,” participating in monthly pledges, and even taking loans to fund building projects, overseas missions, or the lavish lifestyles of their “men of God.”

Even more alarming are reports of money laundering—where these churches act as fronts for the movement of illicit funds. In some European countries, law enforcement has begun investigating certain “ministries” over suspicious financial transactions. Yet, these rogue pastors continue to operate, preying on unsuspecting members who equate religious charisma with divine approval.

If you decline their invitations or choose to attend another church, these individuals often resort to blackmail, name-calling, and spiritual intimidation. Some claim that rejecting their church is rejecting God himself. Others go further, labelling dissenters as “possessed,” “rebellious,” or “under attack”—thus isolating them from other Nigerians or creating fear-based loyalty.

It is not uncommon for people who leave these churches to face social harassment or have personal issues broadcast from the pulpit as a form of punishment. This pattern of intimidation mirrors cult-like behaviour, not Christianity.

Nigerian students abroad are particularly vulnerable. Here’s why: They are far from parental oversight and crave a sense of community; They are navigating a foreign culture, often experiencing loneliness, racism, or academic pressure; They are eager to maintain their spiritual life, so when a familiar-looking pastor with a Nigerian accent offers “God’s covering,” they feel at home; They are not financially stable, which makes them susceptible to teachings that promise breakthroughs, promotions, and supernatural success in return for giving.

Because these students are still forming their adult identities, they are easy to influence, and by the time they realise the manipulation, it’s often too late—academics have suffered, mental health has deteriorated, or they’ve lost money and relationships.

As a parent or guardian preparing your child to study abroad this September, you must be proactive in warning them about the reality of dodgy Nigerian churches abroad.

Here’s what you can do: Have honest conversations about the presence of fake pastors and manipulative churches. Don’tassume yourchild knows; Teach them how to recognise red flags: excessive focus on giving money, overuse of titles and spiritual intimidation, sexual impropriety, lack of accountability, and pressure to isolate from other churches or friends; Encourage them to research churches before attending. A quick online search can reveal the history, leadership, and practices of most churches; Guide them to healthy fellowships:Recommend churches with a good reputation, diverse membership, and qualified leadership;Stay spiritually connected: Continue to pray with and for your child. Let them know they can always come to you if something feels off.

It iscrucial to clarify that not all Nigerian churches in Europe are corrupt or dangerous. Many Nigerian-led churches are doingincredible work, offeringspiritual support, social welfare,immigration guidance, and emotional stabilityto Nigerians abroad.

These churches are often led by men and women who are trained, accountable, and genuinely called to serve. They collaborate with other ministries, invest in community development, and uphold high moral standards. Such churches provide mentorship, academic guidance, and networking opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Let us not throw away the baby with the bathwater. We must continue to support authentic churches doing God’s work abroad—while calling out and avoiding the wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The Nigerian community abroad also has a role to play. Community associations, student groupsand embassy officials should create awareness campaigns about fake churches and rogue pastors. Just as we warn our youths against fraud and cultism, we must also speak openly about religious abuse.

Local law enforcement and regulatory bodies in Europe must continue to monitor and investigate churches that operate outside legal and ethical bounds. Religious freedom must never be a cover for abuse, crime, or exploitation.

As a people, Nigerians are deeply religious – and that can be a beautiful thing. Faith has sustained generations through hardship anduncertainty. But faith must be balanced with wisdom, discernment, and accountability.

To parents in Nigeria: don’t just prepare your children academically or financially for life abroad—prepare them spiritually and emotionally.Warn them about dangerous churches and encourage them to seek God with wisdom, not fear.

To Nigerian students in Europe: trust your instincts. A true church will never manipulate you, isolate you, or exploit you. And a true pastor will never demand your money, your body, or your loyalty in place of Christ.

Let us raise a generation of believers who canseparate true spirituality from religious theatrics, and who carry their faith not as blind followers, but as discerning, empowered children of God.

Joe Afolayan is an International Development Consultant specialising in Private Sector Development and Democratic Governance. He is also a Concerned parent, writer, and advocate for youth and diaspora welfare.