The Transformation Journey of Geoffrey Akubaka
At one time, Geoffrey Akubaka was known as “Bouncer” or “Sabi Boy” — a feared cultist, a drug dealer, and an addict trapped in darkness. Today, he is preparing to graduate from seminary and is raising a new generation of disciple makers. His story is one of pain, redemption, and hope.
The Downward Spiral
Geoffrey enrolled at a higher institution in 2010 to study Local Government Administration and Finance. But instead of classrooms and textbooks, his world quickly became one of drugs and campus fraternities.
He consumed and sold drugs freely, and by offering academic help to gang leaders, he won their respect. Yet his own education suffered. Most of those same gang leaders are gone today, their lives cut short by the very path Geoffrey shared.
By 2012, he had dropped out of school, fully immersed in what he called “jungle life.” For the next six years, addiction, fear, depression, and violence defined him. Rising in rank among his peers did nothing to heal the gnawing emptiness inside.
A Turning Point: An Unexpected Encounter
In December 2018, everything began to change. Through the efforts of another jungle ministry, Geoffrey heard the gospel in a new way.
By early 2020, Coach Bright and his team were reaching out to the jungles of Jos North with Discovery Bible Studies (DBS). They distributed Bibles, face masks, sanitizers, and tap-fitted buckets in Angwan Soya. In a twist Geoffrey still cannot explain, the team identified him—still a drug seller and cultist at the time—as the Person of Peace in that jungle.
When Scripture Spoke
One verse cut straight through Geoffrey’s years of addiction:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
The first part described his life perfectly—nineteen wasted years, stolen by drugs and cultism. But the second part, the promise of abundant life, awakened a new hope.
Geoffrey began facilitating Saturday DBS groups. For the first time, he saw people in the jungle listening to God’s Word, making commitments to obey, and sharing what they learned with others.
Struggles, Loss, and Healing
Even as he led DBS sessions, Geoffrey was still addicted. He dreamed of making his mother proud by becoming a better man, but before he could show her the change, she passed away in March 2020. The loss was devastating — her body lay in the mortuary while Geoffrey still wandered the jungle.
Soon after, he accepted an opportunity for a three-month recovery program at Hedges of Mercy, sponsored by City and Jungle Ministries. By the end, he stopped selling drugs but still struggled as a user.
Coach Bright never gave up, encouraging him to keep leading DBS groups. Slowly but surely, the Word of God chipped away at his old life.
Freedom at Last
Through persistence, prayer, and the power of God’s Word, Geoffrey found lasting freedom. He left behind drugs, cultism, fear, depression, and despair. Today, he is a disciple maker reaching out to jungles just like the one that once enslaved him.
In a beautiful twist of grace, Reuben—a jungle peer who once mocked Geoffrey as “insane” for following Christ—has now joined him as a team leader, also making disciples.
A New Vision
Geoffrey is now completing his studies at ECWA Theological Seminary in Jos (JETS), one of Africa’s most respected seminaries. His coursework is done, and he is working on his project before graduation.
His vision is clear:
- To see a society free from cultism and drug addiction.
- To preach Christ in jungles, slums, and ghettos.
- To raise up a workforce of former addicts and cultists as disciple makers.
How You Can Join His Story
Geoffrey’s transformation is proof that no one is beyond God’s reach. He asks for prayers and support as he continues this calling:
- Pray for God’s provision, wisdom, and grace as he ministers.
- Support his ministry spiritually, academically, and financially so he can equip more young people to break free from addiction.
From “Bouncer” to disciple maker, Geoffrey’s life is living evidence of the abundant life Christ promised in John 10:10.