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Just in: Lagos church general overseer arrested for drug trafficking

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a general overseer of a Lagos church, Nnodu Azuka Kenrick, for alleged drug trafficking.

Spokesman for the NDLEA Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the cleric was arrested after a Dubai-bound consignment of methamphetamine and skunk was intercepted.

Kenrick, the general overseer of Seraphic and Sabbath Assembly in Lagos, was arrested alongside Udezuka Udoka, a student of Emmanuel College of Theology, Samanta, Ibadan.

They were said to have attempted to export methamphetamine and skunk consignments concealed in kegs of palm oil through the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

“High Priest Nnodu was arrested on Saturday 11th February 2023 at his Seraphic and Sabbath Assembly church located at No 1, Sabbath Close, Ijesha area of Lagos following the arrest of two suspects: Oyoyo Mary Obasi and the theology student, Udezuka Udoka on Thursday 9th February at the Lagos airport in connection with the seizure of 283 parcels of skunk weighing 14.90 kilograms and 204 grams of methamphetamine concealed in four 25-litre kegs of palm oil for export to Dubai,” the statement reads.

“In her statement Mary indicted the General Overseer of her new-found church, Nnodu and his son, Chisom Obi, who is now at large as the persons that gave her the consignments for export after being compelled to take an oath of secrecy as well as a sacrifice of chicken in the church while High Priest Nnodu prayed for her for the success of the transaction.

“Spilling the beans on how she was recruited by her church’s GO, Mary said the clergyman and his son used threats to compel her to take the job after they knew she had known their secrets, adding that High Priest Nnodu was always referring to the illicit drugs as Ice and Bible, (Street names for Methamphetamine and Cannabis) in their telephone text message chats.

“The theology student, Udezuka was introduced to Mary to assist her because she was new in the illicit business. Udezuka said he was paid N2 million for his role and had to do it because he needed the money for his education.”

The NDLEA said its operatives also arrested Agholor Emmanuel, a freight agent, after 1.10 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was found in the lining of cartons.

 

“In the consignment containing food items packed in a carton, the four walls of the carton were used to conceal 1.10 kilograms of methamphetamine while the freight agent, Agholor Emmanuel, who presented the cargo for export was immediately arrested,” the anti-drug agency said.

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3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day

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3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day

The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has announced the sudden passing of three prominent clerics, who passed away on the first day of the new year 2025.

Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon, were announced dead by the church’s media head.

Until their deaths, Elusanmi was the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Michael served as the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu.

Olajuwon, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu, all in Lagos State.

Their deaths have thrown the Celestial community into mourning, with members taking to their social media platforms to express their grief.

The Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, announced Olajuwon’s death on the church’s official website.

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“The death has been announced of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon (JJ). He was, until his death, the prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu.

“The suddenness of his passing has left many in shock, as he had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was bubbling with life until his death early on the first day of the new year, 2025.”

In a message shared on his Facebook page, the Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God.

The CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, announced Michael’s death on its Facebook page around 11 am on Wednesday, while Elusanmi’s death was announced on the Instagram account ‘Celestialgeneration’ the same day.

Ajala warns against making a big deal out of the deaths, saying it is a normal thing for everyone to die at an appropriate time.

He stated, “Death is a necessary end, and it will come at the appropriate time for everyone. People die every day. If three people die in a church as large as Celestial, coincidentally on the same day, I don’t understand why people are making a big deal of it.

“Everyone has a time to come and a time to go. The Bible says there is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry.

“So when Christians begin to treat these things as mysterious, I begin to wonder if we are truly followers of Christ. People shouldn’t attach superstitious meaning to their deaths. We all have our time to go.”

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured them that the Celestial headquarters would support them.

3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day

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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on all Igbos to extend a warm and jubilant welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural official visit to Enugu State.

The visit, scheduled for today, marks a significant moment as the president is set to commission key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.

Ohanaeze, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, highlighted the importance of this visit as a testament to the president’s commitment to the Southeast.

The organization expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads and establishing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDEC).

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“These developments symbolize hope, opportunity, and progress for our people.

“Under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, these infrastructural strides are transformative, addressing years of neglect and paving the way for socioeconomic revitalization in the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.

The group said it has mobilized millions of Igbos to celebrate the president’s commitment to improving the region’s welfare.

“Let us come together to show our unity, appreciation, and cultural vibrancy,” Isiguzoro urged.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo assured that every effort had been made to ensure President Tinubu feels at home, with mechanisms in place to reflect the timeless Igbo values of warmth and generosity.

Furthermore, the group reiterated its advocacy for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency beyond 2027.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on every Igbo person to take advantage of Tinubu’s visit to showcase the Igbo nation’s unity, resilience, and aspirations.

“This visit marks a pivotal step toward a prosperous and united Nigeria,” Isiguzoro added.

 

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

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Governor Abdullahi Sule

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners.

This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties, Office of the SSG, in Lafia on Friday.

The statement indicated that the dissolution takes effect immediately.

The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over the affairs of their ministries and government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.

Similarly, the SSG is required to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.

Governor Sule expressed his gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

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He acknowledged their efforts in various capacities during their tenure and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Political analysts view the move as a potential step towards reconstituting the cabinet for a fresh start in the new year.

Observers speculate that the decision may also be aimed at aligning the administration’s priorities with evolving governance needs in Nasarawa State.

The development has sparked discussions within the state, with citizens and political stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the governor’s office regarding the composition of the new cabinet.

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

 (NAN)

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