MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has called on the state government, political parties, and public office holders to show greater respect for Chief Imams and ensure proper coordination when engaging religious leaders.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group said Chief Imams occupy highly revered positions as spiritual leaders and custodians of Islamic teachings, stressing that their roles are central to the moral, spiritual, and social wellbeing of Muslim communities in the state.

MURIC emphasized the need for stronger government–religious harmony in Oyo State, noting that mutual respect between political institutions and faith leaders is essential for peace, unity, and social stability.

The organisation urged political actors to avoid scheduling official programmes during Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayers), warning that such timing often disrupts the religious obligations of Imams and creates avoidable conflict.

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It also recommended that invitations to Chief Imams should be issued with at least one week’s notice, except in urgent or exceptional cases, and must be formally communicated with due respect.

According to MURIC, religious leaders should not be treated as ceremonial guests but as respected authorities whose presence deserves dignity and honour at public functions.

The group further called for improved event arrangements for Islamic leaders, including proper seating positions that reflect their status. It also advised that Chief Imams should not be seated in areas where alcohol is served, in order to respect their religious beliefs and preserve the sanctity of their office.

MURIC stressed that these measures would strengthen interfaith respect in Oyo State, improve collaboration between government and religious institutions, and promote peaceful coexistence across communities.

The statement was signed by Barr. Lawal Abduwaheed, Chairman of MURIC Oyo State Chapter, and Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary.

MURIC Calls for Respect for Chief Imams, Urges Improved Government–Religious Relations in Oyo

Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia has ordered the permanent forfeiture of multiple properties belonging to Pastor Theophilus Ebonyi, founder and General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, after ruling that the assets were acquired through proceeds of a large-scale fraud scheme estimated at about N1.39 billion.

The judgment followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which told the court that the forfeited properties were linked to funds traced to a fraudulent investment and fake grant operation allegedly run through Theobarth Global Foundation.

The court, presided over by Justice M.O. Olajuwon, held that the EFCC successfully established that the assets were derived from unlawful activities under the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. The judge further ruled that the defendant failed to provide credible evidence to justify legitimate ownership of the properties.

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The forfeited assets include a 23-room hotel and event centre in Nyanya Gwandara, a warehouse and sachet water factory in Karu, two office buildings, a primary school, and a bank account containing over N1 million. Authorities said these properties were either directly purchased or developed using proceeds from the alleged financial fraud scheme.

EFCC investigators told the court that Ebonyi was arrested in 2023 over allegations that he orchestrated a fraudulent scheme through Theobarth Global Foundation, where he promoted a fake $20 billion Ford Foundation grant. The commission said he falsely claimed affiliation with the internationally recognised Ford Foundation, a claim the organisation has publicly denied.

According to investigators, victims were made to pay about N1.8 million each as registration and processing fees, with promises of access to the non-existent grant. The EFCC stated that the scheme defrauded individuals and corporate bodies of approximately N1.39 billion before it was exposed.

With the court’s ruling, all listed assets have now been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to recover proceeds of crime and dismantle fraudulent investment networks.

The EFCC said the judgment marks a major step in the prosecution process and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that proceeds of advance fee fraud are recovered and returned to public ownership.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against falling for fake grant schemes or investment programmes that promise unrealistic returns or falsely claim affiliation with reputable international organisations such as the Ford Foundation.

Court Orders Forfeiture of Pastor Ebonyi’s Hotel, School, Factory Over Alleged N1.39bn Fraud

Gunmen Kill Imo Traditional Ruler, Security Operatives in Brutal Attack

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Community, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, alongside security operatives in a violent and coordinated attack in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, sparking widespread shock and renewed concern over insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The attack occurred on Friday along the Assa–Ochia boundary, shortly after the monarch reportedly returned from an overseas trip and was travelling back to his community from Owerri.

The monarch had only just arrived in Owerri earlier in the day after returning from abroad and was on his way home when armed men ambushed his convoy. Sources said the attackers blocked the road at the boundary axis before opening fire on the vehicle carrying the traditional ruler and his security escort, in what witnesses described as a swift and coordinated operation.

During the attack, several security personnel attached to the monarch were also shot dead, though authorities have not confirmed the exact number of casualties. A local source alleged that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the monarch’s movement, suggesting the assault may have been planned in advance, although this remains unverified.

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Residents further reported that after the shooting, the attackers allegedly set parts of the convoy on fire, leaving vehicles and victims engulfed in flames. The incident triggered panic across nearby communities, forcing many residents to flee the area as tension spread.

The killing has thrown Ochia and surrounding communities into mourning, with traditional and community leaders expressing deep shock over the loss and the violent nature of the attack.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stating that security operatives were immediately deployed to the area following reports of the attack. He said the Commissioner of Police ordered a tactical response team to be stationed in the Ohaji/Egbema axis to restore order and begin a full investigation into the killings.

Okoye added that while the number of casualties among the security operatives remains unconfirmed, efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers responsible. He also confirmed that security presence has been strengthened across the area as part of measures to prevent further attacks and restore calm.

The killing has heightened tension in Ohaji/Egbema, with residents calling for urgent intervention to address rising violence in the region. Security agencies say investigations are ongoing and that all leads are being pursued to uncover those behind the assassination of the traditional ruler, with assurances that the perpetrators will be arrested and brought to justice.

Gunmen Kill Imo Traditional Ruler, Security Operatives in Brutal Attack