Christian Cleric Builds Mosque in Honour of Tinubu’s Mother

In a development that has sparked widespread conversation across Nigeria’s religious and political space, Primate Elijah Ayodele has built and commissioned a new mosque in Lagos in honour of Chief Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The prominent cleric, who leads the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, unveiled the mosque during his annual thanksgiving programme held in Oke-Afa, Isolo, describing the project as a fulfillment of what he called a divine instruction.

According to Ayodele, the decision to construct the mosque was not politically motivated but rooted in spiritual obedience. He stressed that the gesture was not aimed at gaining favour from the presidency or securing political influence, but rather to promote religious harmony and unity in Nigeria. “I built the mosque because God directed me to do so,” the cleric reportedly said at the commissioning ceremony.

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Ayodele explained that the newly completed mosque would be fully handed over to Muslim leaders and the local Islamic community for administration. He stated that neither he nor his church would be involved in its management, reinforcing his claim that the project was purely an act of faith and interreligious goodwill. Originally, the mosque was said to have been planned under a different name, but Ayodele disclosed that he later renamed it in honour of Tinubu’s mother following what he described as further divine direction. Chief Abibatu Mogaji, a respected community leader during her lifetime, remains a significant figure in Lagos political history due to her influence and grassroots mobilisation efforts.

The commissioning event drew attendance from religious leaders, traditional rulers, and political representatives, reflecting the broader significance of the gesture. Observers described the commissioning as a rare example of Christian–Muslim interfaith collaboration, particularly in a country where religious identity often intersects with politics. Supporters say the act underscores the importance of peaceful coexistence and tolerance between faiths, while critics have questioned the timing and broader implications of the move within Nigeria’s political climate.

Nonetheless, Ayodele maintained that the mosque stands as a symbol of unity and obedience to divine guidance, rather than a calculated political gesture. The development has since generated conversations online, with many Nigerians debating its spiritual, social and political dimensions.

Christian Cleric Builds Mosque in Honour of Tinubu’s Mother

Bandits Abduct Wives, Daughters of JIBWIS Chief Imam, Others in Bauchi

Suspected bandits have abducted the wives and daughters of the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Digare, Abubakar Muhammad Digare, during a late-night attack in Bauchi State, escalating concerns over rising insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday night in Digare town, Alkaleri Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed the cleric’s residence and forcibly whisked away several women, including his wives and daughters, alongside other residents.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the community under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically to scare residents before targeting the imam’s home. Villagers fled into nearby bushes while others locked themselves indoors as the attackers operated unchallenged for several minutes. The abducted victims were taken to an undisclosed location, and as of the time of filing this report, the exact number of those kidnapped has not been officially confirmed.

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Residents described the incident as one of the most brazen attacks in recent months, noting that targeting the family of a respected religious leader such as Abubakar Muhammad Digare has deepened fear within the community. Local sources said the attack has triggered panic across surrounding villages in Alkaleri LGA, with many residents calling for increased security presence to prevent further raids.

The Bauchi State Police Command has yet to release a detailed statement on the incident. However, community leaders are urging security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue efforts and strengthen patrol operations in vulnerable rural communities. Security analysts warn that repeated bandit attacks in Bauchi and neighbouring states highlight persistent gaps in intelligence gathering and rapid response coordination, stressing that kidnapping for ransom remains a major driver of armed violence in parts of northern Nigeria.

The latest abduction adds to a growing list of kidnapping incidents in Northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target rural settlements, religious leaders, women and children. Observers say the targeting of high-profile community figures could further destabilise affected areas if urgent measures are not implemented to restore confidence and deter future attacks. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue.

Bandits Abduct Wives, Daughters of JIBWIS Chief Imam, Others in Bauchi

MACBAN Rejects Terrorism Allegations, Warns Against Stigmatisation

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has firmly rejected allegations linking the association to terrorism, banditry, and mass violence, describing such claims as unfounded, misleading, and damaging to its reputation and the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists across Nigeria.

The National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, stated this on Sunday while addressing journalists in reaction to ongoing discussions surrounding a proposed United States legislation, H.R. 7457, currently before the United States Congress.

Ngelzarma said while MACBAN respects the sovereign right of the United States to debate issues relating to religious freedom and human rights, the association is deeply concerned about narratives that allegedly portray it as a violent or extremist organisation. He warned that such portrayals risk misinforming international policymakers and undermining peace-building efforts within Nigeria.

He stressed that MACBAN is a legally registered association, established in 1986 under Nigerian law, and has operated openly for decades with elected leadership structures at national, state, and local levels. According to him, the association is formally recognised by federal and state governments as a critical stakeholder in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and farmer–herder conflict mediation.

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The association cautioned that any attempt to blacklist, stigmatise, or criminalise legitimate organisations could lead to serious consequences, including economic losses, disruption of livestock trade, and further marginalisation of pastoral communities, which play a vital role in Nigeria’s food security and rural economy.

Reiterating its mandate, MACBAN said its activities are focused on improving pastoral welfare, promoting modern and sustainable livestock practices, fostering peaceful coexistence with host communities, and supporting security agencies through dialogue and early-warning mechanisms aimed at preventing conflict.

Ngelzarma emphasised that MACBAN has never supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling, noting that no court in Nigeria or abroad has ever indicted the association for involvement in terrorist activities. He argued that it is unjust and legally flawed to attribute the criminal actions of individuals to a registered national organisation.

The association also highlighted that pastoralists themselves have been major victims of insecurity, citing repeated attacks by armed groups and bandits that have resulted in displacement, cattle rustling, and loss of lives. It disclosed that at least eight MACBAN state leaders were killed in 2025 by criminal elements in different parts of the country.

According to MACBAN, the association has consistently collaborated with security agencies through intelligence sharing, community mediation, and participation in technical committees on grazing reforms, ranching initiatives, and livestock identification systems, including efforts to curb cattle rustling and illegal arms movement.

The group called on the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and National Security to adopt a formal resolution clarifying Nigeria’s legislative position on what it described as misleading international narratives. It also urged the National Assembly to engage U.S. lawmakers through parliamentary diplomacy to ensure accurate representation of Nigeria’s internal dynamics.

MACBAN further appealed to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the National Security Adviser to initiate diplomatic engagement with American authorities, with a view to presenting documented evidence of its lawful status and compliance with Nigerian laws.

While cautioning against generalised profiling of communities, the association urged both local and international media to avoid sensational reporting that could inflame tensions and deepen mistrust between communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to national unity, peace, and lawful engagement, MACBAN maintained that accountability must remain evidence-based, warning that international actions founded on misinformation could undermine legitimate Nigerian institutions and complicate efforts to address insecurity.

MACBAN Rejects Terrorism Allegations, Warns Against Stigmatisation