Daddy Freeze Challenges BBNaija Star Cross to a ₦50 Million Miracle Healing Showdown

Controversial media personality and self-described scripture teacher, Daddy Freeze (real name Ifedayo Olarinde), has thrown down the gauntlet once again in his long-running critique of miracle-working pastors in Nigeria. This time, his target is Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) star Cross Okonkwo, whom he challenged to produce a “man of God” capable of healing just one out of 50 verified cripples he promises to provide.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Daddy Freeze issued the bold challenge, putting ₦50 million of his own money on the line and pledging to raise an additional ₦50 million from his supporters — bringing the total stake to ₦100 million. The stakes are high: if a pastor succeeds in healing one cripple within 72 hours, the money goes to the healer or a charity of their choice. If not, Freeze implies the critics should “shut up” about performative miracles.

The Challenge Details

Freeze’s message was direct and laced with biblical references. He addressed Cross specifically:

“Cross, I hereby challenge you. I put 50 million naira down and I will raise a further 50 from my people making a total of 100 million naira. I will pledge 50M if any of your so-called men of God can heal just one of the 50 cripples that I will provide.”

Key conditions outlined in the challenge include:

•  Verified cripples: Freeze emphasized providing genuine, documented cases.

•  Public venue: The healing must take place at a neutral public location like a civic center, not inside a church.

•  Timeline: 72 hours for Cross to mobilize a miracle minister.

•  No excuses: He dismissed common defenses, referencing biblical miracles by Jesus (e.g., healing the woman with the issue of blood and raising Jairus’ daughter) and the Apostles (Peter’s shadow healing people), arguing that true miracles don’t require controlled environments.

Freeze positioned himself as a scripture teacher who studies original texts, not a miracle worker, and framed the challenge as a test of the claims made daily on social media by certain Nigerian pastors.

The challenge reportedly stems from an exchange where Cross defended pastors or told Freeze to stay quiet on matters of faith and “leave men and women of God alone.” Freeze accused him of deflection and used the moment to escalate his long-standing skepticism toward what he calls “miracle ministries” that thrive on unverified claims amid Nigeria’s economic hardships.

This isn’t Freeze’s first foray into such controversies. He has repeatedly questioned tithing, church wealth, and miracle claims, often citing statistics on Nigeria’s religiosity versus its poverty levels.

Social media has erupted with mixed responses. Many users are amused or supportive of the call for proof, with comments like “Make we see who go step up” and debates about faith versus public testing. Others view it as disrespectful or provocative, urging Freeze to “rest.” As of now, neither Cross nor any prominent pastor has publicly accepted the challenge.

The saga adds fuel to ongoing national conversations about faith, accountability in religious leadership, and the role of miracles in a country facing significant socio-economic challenges.

Will any “miracle pastor” step forward to claim the prize and silence the critic? Or will the 72-hour clock run out with silence? Nigerians are watching closely. The ball is now in Cross’s court.