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Adelabu–Ayodele controversy: Cleric knocks minister, gives reasons (Updated)
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)
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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.
According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.
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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.
Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.
The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.
Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.
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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.
Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.
The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.
“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
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