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RCCG suspends pastor for throwing lavish party after Wigwe’s death
RCCG suspends pastor for throwing lavish party after Wigwe’s death
The City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos has suspended Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, following the extravagant birthday party of his wife shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.
According to ChurchTimes, a top pastor of the church who did not want his name mentioned said the decision to suspend Iluyomade was in response to the public outcry against the party.
“It was not Pastor Adeboye that suspended him. The governing council decided to suspend him. I think it’s a decision in the right direction. Though some believe it is coming late.”
“They needed to investigate some of the things people were saying against him and the church,” the source said.
His suspension according to sources in the church was done via a letter over the weekend.
He has since been replaced by Pastor Charles Kpandei of RCCG Resurrection Parish of Region 11 of the church.
Wigwe, who died on board a chopper in February, was a member of the Parish.
The late banker died alongside his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
After his death, wife of the Parish Pastor, Dr Siju Iluyomade, held a lavish birthday that left tongues wagging.
Distinguished personalities rejoiced with the pastor’s wife at the party, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.
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Some persons expressed displeasure that Iluyomade held such party weeks after the tragic deaths of a prominent member of the church alongside his wife and son.
Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social commentator, had written: “After all this charity and benovelence, the right thing and common sense dictate that it is offensive and not appropriate to throw a lavish party a week after the death of such a man whose tithe and benovelence sustained your husband’s ministry when his body is still cold. I wonder what Wigwe would be feeling in the spirit world after seeing such a carnival go on last night at the Eko Hotel Lagos, just a week after his death. This is a lesson for the living.”
There were several of such comments on social media but some persons had referred to them as mere distractions.
However, signs that the family of Wigwe disapproved of Ilumoyade wife’s action became public when The City of David Parish was skipped in Wigwe’s funeral programmes.
Usually, churches where deceased persons attended in their lifetime play key roles at their funeral ceremonies.
But the Wigwe family replaced City of David with another RCCG Parish in Lagos for the funeral service.
Wigwe was God’s General – Iluyomade
During one of the services organised for Wigwe, Ilumoyade paid glowing tributes to the deceased whom he described as God’s general.
He recalled how Wigwe spent about N500 million for God children’s great talent project and how he adopted a lot of children.
He said: “All through the night, I and Pastor Siju were talking to God. Wigwe was a man who had a heart for God. He served God. We were asking questions, who can we turn to but Jesus? I’m sure a lot of people have questions. I want to encourage you; Jesus is a burden bearer. He understands all things. Cast all your burdens to him.
“Wigwe did a lot of good work. He was an amazing servant of God. He had eternity in sight. The only things that follow us when we pass on, are our good works. His life has challenged us.
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“I remember when we wanted to build a school at Makoko for the indigent students, and we needed to pay the teachers, feeds the students everyday. Wigwe came and said he wanted to partner with us, and together with his foundation – Herbert Wigwe Foundation, he partnered with City of David, we were able to build the Makoko school that endures till today.
“When we wanted to start God’s children’s great talent project, he partnered with us again. While we spent about N300million, he spent about N500million to raise talents. He had a heart for things of God.
“He loved children, he gave scholarships to children. He adopted a lot of children, took care of them. For years, he has been quietly paying for the stipend/salary of the City of David classical choir. It has been amazing, for years. Every month, he was paying them. At The Christmas concert, he funded them. He did a great work in this place. As he was doing here, he was doing it all over.
“He was a blessing to God and humanity. His life was profitable to all. I commiserate with the Chairman of the Building Fund, and his wife.
“Wigwe was the chairman of the finance committee with Pastor Siju and I remember when we wanted to start the fund raising. He took us to Eko Atlantic, he put a marquee there, he brought people from America to come and see, and in that event we raised about N600millon. One would have thought he would sit back; he kept going. He told me we’ll do it.
“When this place was ground zero, he paid five years rent for a branch when there was nothing just to assist, then later he said I’ll give you two branches one of the left, one on the right, and he paid five years each (ten years), nobody would support a greenfield, if you’re built, yes, you can go. One of his purposes was to assist us.
“When we needed to take finance from the bank, when the contractors left the site, he gave us the money. Herbert was supporting us. His wife was also supporting him. He’ll call his wife, bring N20m, bring N10m and she’ll support. He’ll call his friends too.
“About two weeks ago, when we went to meet him (Wigwe), we told him that project 2.4 we had paid over a billion in December, they told us to pay another one billion, we went back and forth, and I said okay, gather people, those that can redeem immediately and those that can pledge that can be sure to redeem in one year, that I will give one billion interest free just to help us to pay the bank. I’m sure his works will speak for him.
“Hebert comes to my house, office, and we pray. That’s why it is so difficult to understand the turn of events, but then again, God is sovereign. We thank God for Herbert’s life. God says, in all things, give thanks. We thank God for giving us Hebert and his wife. We pray to God to comfort his family. His life has challenged me.”
RCCG suspends pastor for throwing lavish party after Wigwe’s death
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14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
A 14-year-old British-Nigerian boy, identified as Eghosa Ogbebor, has been fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London, prompting a major police investigation and the arrest of three teenagers. The tragic incident has sparked shock and grief in the local community and among the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street at around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, 2 April, near Woolwich Dockyard. Emergency responders attempted to save the boy’s life, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have identified the suspects as two teenage boys aged 14 and 16 and an 18-year-old man, all of whom have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Detectives are urging members of the public with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.
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Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Eghosa’s family, stating that they are being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy during this difficult time. She acknowledged the concern the incident has caused across Woolwich and confirmed an increased police presence in the area to reassure residents.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple gunshots heard and panic among pedestrians in the vicinity. The shooting took place near local community areas, heightening the shock and fear among residents.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned the killing and emphasized that “there is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence in our city.” He confirmed close collaboration with the police to ensure safety and support for the community.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in London and the urgent need for community-based interventions to prevent such senseless acts. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and are working to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of the young British-Nigerian boy.
14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
metro
Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
Gunmen on Thursday evening ambushed the convoy of Mouktar Lugga, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Zamfara State, in a brazen attack along the Funtua–Gusau highway.
The incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. near Kucheri village as Lugga was returning to Gusau from an official engagement in Funtua.
According to security and local sources, the attackers—suspected to be armed bandits—launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road, opening heavy gunfire on the convoy in what appeared to be a targeted assault.
The vehicle conveying Lugga, his driver, and two other occupants came under direct attack, with bullets reportedly hitting the windscreen. One of the shots narrowly missed the driver, while another assailant attempted to fire at close range but his weapon malfunctioned.
Despite the intensity of the нападение, the driver maintained control and successfully navigated the vehicle out of the kill zone, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome. All occupants escaped unhurt.
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Security sources said the convoy had minimal escort at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public officials travelling along high-risk routes in the North-West.
Following the attack, security operatives launched a search operation in surrounding bush areas, while patrols along the Funtua–Gusau corridor were intensified to prevent further incidents.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but government sources confirmed that Lugga is safe and has since returned to base.
The highway where the attack occurred is known for frequent bandit ambushes, kidnappings, and armed robberies, linking parts of Zamfara and Katsina states—two regions heavily affected by criminal gangs.
Security analysts note that such attacks are often carried out by loosely organised armed groups seeking to kidnap high-profile individuals for ransom or to assert territorial control.
The latest incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, despite ongoing military operations and recent deployments aimed at securing major roads and rural communities.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, avoid night travel where possible, and report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts continue to restore safety across the region.
Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
metro
NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, carrying out a precision airstrike that destroyed a terrorist enclave and killed several fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province in Borno State.
The operation targeted Kangarwa in the northern Tumbuns axis—an area long regarded as a stronghold for insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad basin.
In a statement issued on Friday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the strike was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on April 1 at about 12:05 p.m.
According to him, the mission followed credible intelligence reports indicating increased террорист activity in the area. Subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence and movement of fighters within the enclave prior to the strike.
“The precision strike was carried out based on credible intelligence, reinforced by earlier ISR missions which confirmed the massing of terrorists and sustained hostile activity within the enclave,” Ejodame said.
“Following positive identification and target confirmation, NAF air assets conducted successive aggressive strike passes, delivering accurate fires on the identified locations.”
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He added that the bombardment obliterated key structures, including command posts and logistics hubs, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the террорист network.
“The strike neutralised scores of fighters, destroyed critical infrastructure, and left the enclave severely degraded, with its operational utility significantly diminished,” he said.
Military sources indicated that Kangarwa serves as a strategic transit and coordination hub for insurgents moving across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad fringes. The destruction of the enclave is expected to disrupt planned attacks and weaken supply chains for fighters in the region.
The NAF spokesman further noted that the operation has created favourable conditions for ground forces to advance and conduct clearance operations, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to sustain pressure on fleeing insurgents.
He stressed that the strike dealt a significant blow to ISWAP elements, particularly affecting their command structure and mobility.
“The operation is assessed to have eliminated several ISWAP fighters with devastating impact, while the enclave’s command and support structure suffered a major setback,” Ejodame stated.
Security analysts say the latest strike highlights improved coordination between air and ground forces, a strategy increasingly adopted by the Nigerian military to dismantle insurgent networks more effectively.
The renewed offensive comes amid sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to clear террорист enclaves across Borno and the wider North-East, where insurgency has persisted for over a decade.
Authorities reaffirmed that air interdiction missions and ground assaults will continue in a bid to eliminate remaining террорист elements and restore lasting stability to affected communities.
NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
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