Adelabu–Ayodele controversy: Cleric knocks minister, gives reasons (Updated)

A Saudi Arabia–based Islamic scholar, Amb. Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has condemned the decision of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to petition the Department of State Services (DSS) against popular cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele, describing the move as part of a deeper misuse of power as well as mixing religion with political ambition.

Agunbiade, a Taalib Jami’ei of Islamic Propagation in Rabwa, Saudi Arabia, said the controversy surrounding allegations of spiritual extortion goes beyond the conduct of the cleric and raises serious moral questions about a serving public official seeking prophetic validation for political aspirations.

In a commentary circulated on Sunday, the scholar questioned the propriety of reports suggesting that the minister engaged prophetic figures over the 2027 Oyo State governorship race, arguing that such actions contradict core principles of both Islam and Christianity.

According to him, religious teachings strongly caution against transactional prophecy and the deployment of faith as a political tool.

He cited biblical passages that condemn prophets who attach divine messages to material gain, warning that such practices mislead followers and undermine the sanctity of religion.

“Any prophecy that promises success when demands are met and predicts failure when they are refused stands against biblical teaching,” Agunbiade said, referencing scriptures from the books of Micah, Jeremiah and Corinthians.

From an Islamic perspective, he described the issue as even more fundamental, stressing that Islam demands absolute reliance on Allah alone and rejects the notion that political outcomes can be divinely guaranteed through human intermediaries.

He cited Qur’anic verses affirming that knowledge of the unseen belongs exclusively to Allah and that leadership is a trust (amānah) to be exercised with justice, competence and accountability.

The scholar further warned that when politicians seek prophetic endorsement, they legitimise what he described as the commercialisation of religion and the exploitation of fear, eroding public morality and trust in both faith institutions and governance.

While acknowledging that the minister’s reported refusal to meet alleged financial demands and his decision to seek legal redress could be viewed as commendable, Agunbiade maintained that genuine integrity requires total disengagement from what he termed “transactional spirituality.”

He said political leadership should be earned through service, merit and the democratic will of the people, not through spiritual bargaining.

“The controversy is not only about extortion,” he concluded. “It is about the misuse of religion in politics. Faith was never meant to be a campaign tool.”

The dispute between Adelabu and Ayodele continues to generate reactions across religious and political circles, with many Nigerians calling for clearer boundaries between personal faith, religious influence and political ambition in the country’s multi-faith democratic society.

Adelabu–Ayodele controversy: Cleric knocks minister, gives reasons (Updated)

Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno FOB, Kill Terrorists

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, killing several insurgents and preventing major destruction.

According to counter-insurgency reports by Zagazola Makama, the attempted assault occurred on Friday but was thwarted through a coordinated counter-operation by troops of Sector 3 Stabilisation Operations, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Force, the Nigeria Police crack team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

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During the operation, troops neutralised two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) deployed by the terrorists, causing damage to the road at two separate locations. Several ISWAP fighters were killed, while others sustained injuries and fled the area.

Military sources disclosed that follow-up exploitation led to the recovery of assorted items, including five motorcycles, AK-47 rifles, two Android phones, AK-47 magazines, 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, and 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items recovered were a hand grenade, flak jacket, combat boot, blankets, engine oil containers, a stretcher, a camel bag, spinners, a wristwatch, and a motorcycle pump.

Importantly, no casualties were recorded among the troops, highlighting the effectiveness of the military’s response and continued efforts to degrade terrorist activities in the North-East.

The operation underscores the sustained commitment of the Nigerian military and allied security forces to maintaining security and denying ISWAP insurgents freedom of action in Borno State.

Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno FOB, Kill Terrorists

Turji: I Took Part in Zamfara Peace Talks, But Never Collected ₦30 Million

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has confirmed that he took part in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the administration of former governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence, but strongly denied claims that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement.

The denial comes after Musa Kamarawa, a former peace mediator, alleged in a viral video that Turji and other bandit leaders met with state officials at the Government House in Gusau, where cash and vehicles were allegedly distributed. Kamarawa claimed Turji collected ₦30 million during the negotiations.

In a separate video widely circulated online, Turji dismissed the allegations as false, insisting the peace talks were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring security in Zamfara, with no personal financial gain involved.

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“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said. “We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about.” He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust established during the negotiations and spreading “false and malicious testimony.”

Turji further blamed past political leadership in Zamfara and Sokoto states for laying the foundation of insecurity in the region. He alleged former governors Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara) armed vigilante groups, known as ‘Yan Banga’, which he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities. He called for their arrest and investigation.

The bandit leader emphasized that he is not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group. “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” Turji said, asserting that he speaks “before Allah alone.”

Despite Turji’s claims, Nigerian security agencies continue to classify him as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders in the North-West, and the military has previously declared him wanted for terror-related activities.

Turji: I Took Part in Zamfara Peace Talks, But Never Collected ₦30 Million