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Catholic priest quits Christianity, joins traditional religion in Anambra

Catholic priest quits Christianity, joins traditional religion in Anambra
A Catholic priest, Echezona Obiagbaosogu, has announced his resignation from the church to join African traditional religion.
Obiagbaosogu, a lecturer in African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, disclosed this after recently defending his PhD dissertation titled ‘Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State,’ according to an interview published by Starconnect Media.
In his doctoral research, Obiagbaosogu looked into the ancient African practice of rainmaking.
According to his findings, rainmaking involves a combination of natural elements, spiritual communication, and what he describes as African science.
He argued that rainmakers, known as “debia ogwu” in Igbo culture, utilise herbs, roots, and hydroscopic stones to interact with the atmosphere and influence rainfall.
Obiagbaosogu explained that there were three distinct methods of rainmaking: the use of clay tripods and concoctions, coldrone structures with fermented herbs, and psycho-spiritual techniques that rely on the power of the human mind.
Speaking about his journey, Obiagbaosogu, who was a priest for 17 years, said his decision stemmed from a deep curiosity about African spirituality and the art of rainmaking.
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He described his transition as a quest to reconnect with the cultural values and spiritual practices that have been undermined by colonial influences.
“I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion. The topic of my research is ‘Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A case study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State’.”
Obiagbaosogu shared that his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his beliefs, noting that his father, a Christian who still valued traditional medicinal practices, and his maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, inspired his appreciation for nature and indigenous knowledge.
He said these early influences sparked his interest in rainmaking, which became the focus of his academic research.
“Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and God. The research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. As a priest, I had the opportunity to work in health sectors, and I understand what health is all about,” he said.
While still a seminary student, he stressed that he witnessed a family friend demonstrate rainmaking, an experience that set him on a path of academic and spiritual exploration.
“My research in rainmaking and control is rooted in finding the truth and understanding how native doctors contribute to preserving African values. I discovered that it is indeed a reality and done by dibia (native doctors). I am not turning my back on God, but rather, I am embracing the divine in a more meaningful and authentic way.”
During his research, Obiagbaosogu said he spent months studying with a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of rainmaking and its connection to Igbo spirituality.
He emphasised that traditional African practices should be viewed as science rather than superstition.
Catholic priest quits Christianity, joins traditional religion in Anambra
metro
Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees

Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees
A police inspector, Haruna Mohammed, has been found died in a hotel in Ogun State.
His lifeless body was reportedly found on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the hotel located in Anthony Uzum Estate, Oyeyemi Akute.
According to reports, he had checked into the establishment around 1am with an unidentified female companion, who has since disappeared.
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A report by SaharaReporters quoted a police memo as stating that the hotel manager noticed the room was left unlocked at approximately 8:52 a.m.
Upon inspection, she found the inspector’s body, but there was no sign of the woman.
The hotel owner promptly alerted the authorities.
The memo also revealed that the missing woman had been seen at the reception around 6am, where she requested a bottle of table water.
Law enforcement officials have classified the inspector’s death as “unnatural.”
His remains were taken to Life Channel Mortuary in Olambe, near Akute.
Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees
metro
NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops

NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed over 3,000 shops in Lagos’ Idumota Open Drug Market during the first week of its enforcement operations.
The agency disclosed this on its X handle on Saturday.
Among the alarming discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.
They also found large consignments of banned pharmaceuticals, including Analgin injections, diverted-free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines awaiting revalidation, and unregistered drugs.
According to NAFDAC, illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads were evacuated from the market.
Additionally, empty packs and cartons of expired, unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop, with the vials already removed.
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In a separate warehouse within the market, but away from the pharmaceutical section, officials uncovered large quantities of controlled substances, including Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, and Tramadol 225.
NAFDAC stressed its commitment to clamping down on illegal drug markets to protect public health and ensure the safety of medicines available in Nigeria.
NAFDAC’s ongoing crackdown on fake and substandard medicines has led to the sealing of major drug markets across Nigeria, including the Idumota open drug market in Lagos, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Onitsha drug market in Anambra.
The agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Shaba Mohammed, said the week-long enforcement exercise was happening simultaneously across the three markets, which serve as distribution hubs for over 80% of medications in Nigeria..
As part of the exercise, over 5,000 shops, including warehouses and packaging stores, will be inspected to identify and remove substandard medical products.
So far, NAFDAC has confiscated seven truckloads of suspected falsified drugs, expired medicines, and drugs labeled with images of human parts.
In a related operation, on February 14th, the agency uncovered a major counterfeiting depot at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.
Officials discovered that expired medicines were being repackaged and revalidated for resale.
During the raid, large quantities of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments were confiscated.
Machinery used to alter expiry dates and rebrand drugs was also found.
NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops
metro
Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons

Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons
The Police have intercepted 20 youths with dangerous weapons while alighting from a truck along the Ogun and Oyo State boundary on Saturday.
Ogun Police Command spokesperson, CSP Omotola Odutola announced this on Saturday in a statement.
According to the statement, the youths were intercepted by Ogun Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo during his routine patrol in the boundary between Oyo and Ogun States.
Ogunlowp ordered a search on the 20 youths and this led to the discovery of the various kinds of dangerous weapons on their bodies.
She said, “The youths were intercepted during CP Ogunlowo’s routine weekend patrol along the Eledumare, Bamboo, Fidiwo, Foursquare, Alapako and Onigari axis, all within Ogun and bordering Oyo state.
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“He observed that the group did not declare a clear destination and satisfactory explanation for their movement.
“Acting on his sound professional instincts, he ordered a search of their persons and belongings and dangerous weapons were recovered, which included daggers, knives, cutlasses and objects suspected to be charms, among others.”
Odutola said the CP, following the discovery, directed the immediate detention of the youths and ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to conduct thorough profiling.
“The CP further instructed that anyone found culpable should be swiftly charged to court to ensure justice is served,” she said.
The Command Spokesperson said the CP has consequently further reaffirmed his commitment to proactive policing and community engagement.
“The Police, with this, assure the residents of Ogun that it would continue to intensify efforts on crime prevention, intelligence-gathering and prompt law enforcement.
“The CP therefore urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation for timely intervention.
“The Ogun Police Command remain dedicated to safeguarding lives and property, and it will not relent in its duty to rid the state of criminal elements,” Odutola said.
Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons
(NAN)
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