OPM Founder Suspends Marriage Plan for Autistic Daughter After 1,000 Applications

The founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has announced the suspension of the proposed marriage arrangement involving his 21-year-old adopted autistic daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor, following what he described as an overwhelming number of responses from interested suitors.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the cleric said the exercise had been halted after more than 1,000 applications were received from men expressing interest in marrying her, adding that further directives would determine the next step.

“Chiemeka Chibuzor’s wedding is hereby suspended. More than a thousand applications. No more weddings, pending further directive from me,” he wrote.

The announcement follows earlier comments by the cleric in which he publicly invited eligible men to apply, offering financial incentives and welfare support as part of the proposed arrangement. He had also outlined strict conditions for applicants, stating that interested suitors must be young and “physically and mentally fit.”

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He further disclosed that the proposed marriage package included lifetime financial support, free housing, joint property ownership, and periodic welfare monitoring by OPM officials to ensure the wellbeing of the woman.

The development generated widespread reactions online, with discussions centring on the ethical and social implications of linking financial incentives to marriage arrangements, particularly involving a vulnerable individual.

The cleric also referenced a previous OPM-supported union in which a non-verbal autistic man known as Aboy was married to an older woman earlier this year, a ceremony that attracted public attention and debate.

The latest suspension, however, signals a pause in the controversial arrangement as the church reviews the large volume of interest received.

Apostle Chinyere has not indicated when or whether the marriage proposal will be revived, stating only that the process remains on hold pending further instructions.

OPM Founder Suspends Marriage Plan for Autistic Daughter After 1,000 Applications

Money Laundering: Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, has issued a bench warrant of arrest against former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and co-defendant Bashir Nura Alkali over their failure to appear in court to answer charges in an ongoing ₦37.17 billion money laundering case.

The order followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the defendants alongside Sani Nafiu Rabiu on allegations bordering on fraud, money laundering, and abuse of public funds linked to activities during Farouq’s tenure as minister.

At Thursday’s sitting in Apo, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that an ex parte application had been filed seeking a warrant for the arrest of the defendants under Section 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, due to repeated failure to appear for arraignment.

Although the former minister was absent in court, she was represented by senior advocate Abdul Ibrahim (SAN). The third defendant, Sani Nafiu Rabiu, was present in court when the matter was called.

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The prosecution later amended its application to exclude the third defendant and proceeded with the request for a warrant of arrest against Farouq and Alkali only.

In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the defendants had been properly served with the charges, as evidenced by proof of service submitted to the court, but failed to present themselves for arraignment as required by law.

The judge subsequently ordered security agencies to arrest and produce the former minister and the second defendant before the court to take their plea.

The case had earlier suffered delays after the defendants failed to appear for arraignment, prompting the court to order substituted service on March 23, 2026, directing that the charges be pasted at their known addresses.

EFCC Allegations and Background of the Case

The EFCC alleges that about ₦37,170,855,753.44 was diverted through a contractor, James Okwete, during Farouq’s time in office. The funds were reportedly linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and allegedly moved through multiple accounts under investigation.

The anti-graft agency also stated that investigations uncovered complex financial transactions involving the contractor, which formed the basis of the money laundering charges currently before the court.

Farouq was previously invited and later detained by the EFCC in January 2024 after honouring an invitation linked to the case. She has, however, consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting she had no dealings with the contractor at the centre of the allegations.

Next Court Date

The matter has been adjourned to May 18, 2026, for arraignment, while the court directed law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with its arrest order.

Money Laundering: Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq

Senate Summons Kyari, Ojulari Over ₦210 Trillion NNPCL Audit Queries

The Nigerian Senate has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to appear before its Committee on Public Accounts on April 29, 2026, to explain an alleged ₦210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.

The directive followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during plenary, reflecting growing legislative pressure over the company’s financial disclosures and audit compliance.

The committee also mandated the appearance of top former and current officials of the oil company, including Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, immediate past GCEO Mele Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, as well as the company’s external auditors, insisting that their attendance is compulsory.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said lawmakers remain dissatisfied with explanations provided by NNPCL regarding the disputed figures, stressing that the queries raised in audit reports require full and detailed clarification.

According to Wadada, the committee rejected what he described as a “blanket explanation” from NNPCL regarding ₦103 trillion categorised as liabilities, noting that the breakdown of the figures was insufficient and lacked transparency.

He explained that the Senate expects detailed clarification on the components of the liabilities, including retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, with specific amounts attached to each category.

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Wadada further stated that the committee is also demanding clarity on an additional ₦107 trillion reportedly linked to Joint Venture (JV) cash calls and other financial obligations, including funds allegedly associated with defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.

He said:
“The NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to unfailingly appear before this committee. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026.”

Lawmakers also criticised the company’s response to 19 audit queries, describing them as inadequate and failing to meet expectations for public accountability and financial transparency.

Earlier during the session, Senator Abdul Ningi urged the Senate to invoke its constitutional powers to compel compliance, citing repeated failures by key officials to honour legislative invitations.

He warned that the legislature risks undermining its oversight authority if agencies continue to ignore summons, stressing that democratic accountability depends on the strength of parliamentary scrutiny.

The latest development intensifies scrutiny on the oil giant, which has faced increasing public and institutional pressure over financial transparency, revenue management, and audit reconciliation gaps in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

The Senate’s directive signals a stronger push for accountability in one of Nigeria’s most sensitive revenue-generating institutions, as lawmakers demand full disclosure of all queried funds.

Senate Summons Kyari, Ojulari Over ₦210 Trillion NNPCL Audit Queries