metro
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.
READ ALSO:
- Sisters set father on fire for alleged rape in Pakistan
- Tinubu splits Nigerian Aviation College into six campuses
- How Iraqi taskmaster maltreated Nigerian lady – NAPTIP DG
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 arrest killers of Chinese national in Ogun

Police arrest killers of Chinese national in Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has detained two suspects, Yunusa Abdullahi and Peace Keno Danlami, in connection with the murder of Chen Wang, a Chinese national who was allegedly stabbed to death in his office early this year.
Wang, an employee at WH Great Resource Ltd. in Ogere, was assassinated on January 12, 2025.
According to a statement made on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and forwarded by the Ogun State Command spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, the victim died from stab wounds to the chest.
The police stated, “The incident, which occurred on January 12, 2025, drew immediate attention when the Ogun State Police Command received a distress call regarding the discovery of Mr Wang’s lifeless body within his office premises. Preliminary findings revealed that the deceased had suffered fatal stab wounds to the chest.”
The police added, “The event, which occurred on January 12, 2025, gained rapid attention when the Ogun State Police Command received a distress call about the discovery of Mr Wang’s lifeless body within his office premises.
READ ALSO:
- Kidnapped Chief Imam of Uromi regains freedom
- Buhari could have died earlier relying on Nigerian hospitals – Adesina
- Woman forces ex-lover to sleep with her to break ‘blood oath’
According to preliminary findings, the deceased died as a result of deadly stab wounds to the chest.
“In line with the strategic policing mandate of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force Technical Intelligence Unit was promptly mobilised to provide high-level operational and technological support,” the statement read.
Investigators determined that two manufacturing workers, believed to be in a romantic relationship, took advantage of reduced staffing on the day of the incident.
Odutola added, “While on overtime duty, they allegedly disabled the company’s security system, unlawfully accessed Mr Wang’s office and committed the fatal attack. They subsequently stole the keys to his residence, which they later burgled before fleeing the state with stolen cash.”
Following several weeks of surveillance and tactical cooperation, operatives from the Force Headquarters and Ogun SCID located and apprehended Abdullahi, 25, of Borno State, and Danlami, 20, of Taraba State, on July 14 in Jos, Plateau State, where they were hiding under fictitious names.
“The swift deployment of digital forensics, biometric analysis, and human intelligence by the Nigeria Police played a decisive role in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the statement noted.
According to the statement, the Inspector General praised the Ogun State Police Command and the Force Technical Intelligence Unit for their professionalism and dedication.
The IG also reassured the public about the police’s continuous efforts to protect both citizens and foreign nationals through proactive and precision-led investigations.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations,” the statement added.
Police arrest killers of Chinese national in Ogun
metro
Kidnapped Chief Imam of Uromi regains freedom

Kidnapped Chief Imam of Uromi regains freedom
The Chief Imam of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, has regained his freedom after spending five harrowing days in the hands of his abductors.
Sheikh Muhammad was released on Saturday, July 13, bringing relief to the Uromi Muslim community and his family, who had been anxiously awaiting his safe return.
The respected Islamic cleric was abducted on Monday, July 8, at the Angle 90 area of Uromi. According to reports, he had stepped out of his residence to buy food for his family when he was forcefully taken by unidentified gunmen.
READ ALSO:
- Buhari could have died earlier relying on Nigerian hospitals – Adesina
- Woman forces ex-lover to sleep with her to break ‘blood oath’
- BREAKING: Tinubu, others receive Buhari’s body from London in Nigeria
The kidnappers however called the family members and demanded ransom of N30 million but Daily Trust couldn’t confirm the payment of the ransom.
The Edo State police command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said intense and sustained pressure from the police and the local vigilante led to the release of the kidnapped chief Imam.
He said investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping of the victim with a view to track and arrest the perpetrators.
Yamu, who said the Chief Imam is in stable condition, added that he has since been reunited with his family.
While charging the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, he said no stone will be left unturned in identifying and apprehending those behind the kidnapping.
Kidnapped Chief Imam of Uromi regains freedom
metro
Buhari could have died earlier relying on Nigerian hospitals – Adesina

Buhari could have died earlier relying on Nigerian hospitals – Adesina
Former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, has addressed the controversy surrounding the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital, offering a candid defense of the late leader’s decision to seek medical care abroad.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Channels Television as part of the special funeral coverage, Adesina responded to criticisms over Buhari’s long-standing reliance on foreign healthcare.
According to Adesina, those questioning why Buhari passed away in a UK hospital are missing the bigger picture. He stated firmly that Buhari had been receiving treatment in the United Kingdom long before he became president in 2015, and added that relying solely on Nigeria’s health system could have cost him his life much earlier.
READ ALSO:
- Woman forces ex-lover to sleep with her to break ‘blood oath’
- BREAKING: Tinubu, others receive Buhari’s body from London in Nigeria
- FCT task force impounds 280 vehicles for aiding crime
“President Buhari had been using London hospitals for years, even before he assumed office. His doctors over there were familiar with his history,” Adesina said.
He added that expecting the former president to abandon the doctors who understood his condition would have been unreasonable.
According to Adesina, many Nigerian hospitals do not have the medical expertise or advanced equipment necessary to handle the health challenges Buhari faced.
“Let’s be honest with ourselves: if he had depended on our local hospitals for that particular health issue, he may not have survived it. And perhaps, we would have lost him a long time ago,” he stated.
Discovererngr.com reports that Buhari, who died in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, is being buried Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, with full state honours.
Buhari could have died earlier relying on Nigerian hospitals – Adesina
-
metro2 days ago
Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, dies at 91, hours after Buhari’s demise
-
metro3 days ago
Breaking: Former President Muhammadu Buhari is dead
-
metro2 days ago
FLASHBACK: I will leave no inheritance for my children ― Buhari
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Priscilla Ojo’s husband announces her conversion to Islam (Video)
-
Aviation3 days ago
Breaking: Tragedy averted as Air Peace flight skids off P’Harcourt runway
-
metro16 hours ago
Gov Radda reveals what Buhari told him about Tinubu after fuel subsidy removal
-
metro22 hours ago
Succession move begins as Awujale is buried in Ijebu-Ode (photos)
-
metro2 days ago
On Buhari’s death, By Farooq Kperogi