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‘Pastor’ cuts ties after defrauding US-based Nigerian of N1.5m

Published

3 years ago

July 7, 2023

Michael Ayodeji Adeliyi

‘Pastor’ cuts ties after defrauding US-based Nigerian of N1.5m

In December 2022, Dele Ajayi (not real name), a US-based Nigerian, was introduced to Michael Ayodeji Adeliyi, a “pastor and forex trading expert“, by a mutual friend.

Following their initial meeting, and because he came highly recommended, Dele decided to allow Adeliyi trade on his behalf.

It later turned out to be a wrong move as the pastor he thought he could trust stole N1.5 million from him.

THE INTRODUCTION

“I met Michael Ayodeji Adeliyi, who claims to be a pastor, through a mutual friend a few years back. While I was still in Nigeria, I would hold prayer sessions together with the mutual friend and over time, I came to know him as a sincere, honest and straightforward person,” Dele told FIJ.

“Afterwards, and when the mutual friend decided to introduce me to Adeliyi, I had no doubt in my mind that he would also turn out to be trustworthy.”

The mutual friend would subsequently recommend Adeliyi to Dele as an expert in forex trading.

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“Because I had always had interest in investing along that line, and because he came highly recommended, I associated myself with the pastor.

“I also did not hesitate to allow him trade on my behalf.”

According to Dele, Adeliyi started trading fully on Dele’s behalf in December 2022.

“He was really actually managing the account on my behalf. Prior to this period, I had already let him into how I had run into a huge loss while trying out all kinds of businesses and he had assured me that things would be different under him.

“During a period, I suddenly discovered that he wasn’t reachable for two days. When I was able to login to my trading profile, I discovered that I had run into a loss of $6,000.

“He would subsequently send me a voice note with another line different from his usual phone number to say that he had been robbed.

“In the end, I had to close trading on my own.

“He also said I should give him some time before he would recommence trading, and I said he should take all the time he needed.”

THE N1.5 MILLION FRAUD

A few days after the alleged robbery incident, Adeliyi told Dele that he needed some money for a particular trading opportunity.

“He told me that there was a particular trade that was quite lucrative at the time, and that he would like us to trade in it,” Dele said.

“On hearing this, I suggested he take over the previous account from me, but he said he wasn’t in the right frame of mind to trade in large volumes yet.

“He then said he needed some money from me and that he would take over trading with the main account later.

“While making the request, he kept on hammering on the point that the capital was needed so he could take advantage of the market.

“Because of the meticulous way he had been trading in the past, and despite the armed robbery incident he claimed had happened to him, I quickly raised N1.5 million for him in March.”

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The moment Adeliyi received the N1.5 million from Dele, he cut off all communication ties.

“Not only did he stop answering my calls, he also stopped responding to my WhatsApp messages,” Dele said.

“When I asked my cousin who is based in Nigeria to help me call him, he finally answered the phone and claimed he was busy. When he was asked why he had refused to answer my call, he was unable to come up with a concrete excuse.

“To date, he has refused to answer my calls. This is one man that loves to parade himself as a pastor. He knew I had a prior issue with a business and he still thought he could defraud me. I thought he was someone that could be trusted because of the way he loves to parade himself.”

FIJ made several phone calls to Adeliyi for comments on the allegation on Thursday morning, but they were not answered. At press time, he had also not responded to a text message and an email sent to him.

‘Pastor’ cuts ties after defrauding US-based Nigerian of N1.5m

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Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

Published

14 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have killed at least four police officers and a local hunter in coordinated attacks on security posts in Borno State, underscoring the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.

The attacks occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026, targeting the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters and a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters duty post at the Malam Fatori IDP Camp in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.

According to ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, the Nganzai police station came under fire at about 1:00 a.m., with terrorists deploying Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons in an attempt to overrun the town. Police officers, supported by the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Crack Squad, military personnel, CJTF members, and local hunters, engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, ultimately repelling the attack and restoring normalcy.

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Despite the successful defense, four police personnel “paid the supreme price”, while a section of the police station was damaged, and an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was partially burnt.

Almost two hours later, at around 2:40 a.m., insurgents attacked the CJTF/hunters’ post at the entrance of the Malam Fatori IDP camp. One hunter, Atom Abua, 40, was killed, and about 20 thatched houses and properties were destroyed. Combined security teams prevented further loss of life and property.

Following the attacks, Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the affected areas to strengthen security and prevent further incidents. He commended the bravery of officers and local defenders, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice.

Security experts note that the attacks highlight the enduring insurgency threat in Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to target security installations and vulnerable communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

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NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Published

28 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Pastor Afolabi Hodonu and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis concealed in specially modified compartments of their vehicle.

The suspects, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry, and his 35-year-old wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, were apprehended on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border, Lagos.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the couple was intercepted during a search of their Honda Pilot SUV, where officers recovered blocks of highly potent skunk cannabis hidden in secret compartments. Babafemi revealed that the arrest was linked to a previous seizure on March 30, 2026, when a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, was caught transporting 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk through the same checkpoint. Subsequent investigations led to the pastor and his wife.

“The arrest of Pastor Hodonu and his wife is part of our ongoing intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers hiding behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or elaborate concealment methods,” Babafemi said.

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The NDLEA has simultaneously conducted several other operations across Nigeria, including:

Seizure of 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, hidden in tins of palm kernel extract bound for the UK, leading to multiple arrests, including syndicate leaders in Lagos.
Arrest of a female drug supplier in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu, with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado cannabis linked to bandit groups operating in the North East.
Recovery of 48,000 tramadol pills in Adamawa State and 1,378 kilograms of skunk in a warehouse in Edo State.
Arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Ibadan using her 11-year-old daughter to distribute drugs.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers for the successful operations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide regardless of the traffickers’ status.

The pastor and his wife are currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution as investigations continue. Authorities have warned that drug trafficking in Nigeria carries severe legal penalties and that no individual is above the law.

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

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Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Published

41 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega and former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has passed away in Abuja, officials confirmed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The news was announced by Bayero University Kano through its official social media channels.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega,” the statement read, expressing sorrow and prayers for her family.

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega

According to the university, her Janazah (funeral) prayer is scheduled to take place immediately after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, with burial proceedings to follow.

The institution prayed that Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, forgive her shortcomings, and give strength to her grieving family.

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The university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, also confirmed the death, urging the public to offer prayers and support to the Jega family.

“Yes, it’s true. May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her family patience to bear this loss,” he said.

Hajiya Hadiza was widely respected for her contributions to education, community service, and support for her family, especially in northern Nigeria.

Her death has drawn condolences from friends, colleagues, and public figures across the country, highlighting her influence and the respect she commanded in social and academic circles.

Her husband, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is a distinguished academic and public servant, known for his tenure as chairman of INEC; president of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) and his contributions to national policy and governance.

The passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega marks a significant loss for both her family and the broader Nigerian academic and civic community, with funeral arrangements reflecting her standing and the high regard in which she was held.