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Covid-19: Nigerians Condemn Police Attack on Primate Ayodele’s Convoy
An attack has been reported on Saturday morning of the convoy of servant of God and spiritual leader at INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele (JP).
The coordinated attack, according to the media department of the Ministry, was carried out by policemen from the Okota Police Station while Primate Ayodele was carrying out the ‘cleansing’ of Okota town, a week-long spiritual exercise the INRI Church began last Sunday.
Since the attack, residents of Okota, Ejigbo and Isolo towns who spoke with Newsthumb magazine, have condemned the unruly manner with which they believed the attack was done. Besides, those who spoke wondered why the attack when the cleric was on a mission to save lives.
Before he embarked on the spiritual cleansing exercise, Primate Ayodele had launched an anointing water and oil, which he declared have the capacity to cure the Coronavirus pandemic. After the launch followed by regular promotion in the social media, the popular prophet also declared a three-day prayer and fasting for the total eradication of the virus in Nigeria. He promised that the prescriptions could miraculously heal anybody infected of Coronavirus, which has killed close to 100,000 globally and left over 1000,000 on sickbeds in 172 countries.
According to the church’s statement, the Primate’s team had successfully carried out the cleansing in many communities in Isolo since the last seven days until they got to Okota on Saturday and was met with stiff resistance by the policemen who reportedly labelled the tour ‘illegal’.
”They didn’t stop at saying our team was on an illegal tour, they also physically attacked our vehicles and damaged the sound speakers we mounted on one of the vehicles to communicate with people,” stated a member of the convoy.
A police source that spoke with this magazine under a condition of anonymity, however, said simply that the prophet’s team was stopped ”because government has not recognized any cure or vaccine for coronavirus yet.”
Primate Ayodele had in March 2019, warned on Page 193 of his prophesy book titled ‘Warning to the Nations,’ that ”the Spirit of God told me that there will be natural disasters in various regions of the world and a disease that will be a pandemic will trouble world leaders and governments.”
Nigerians have called on Lagos authorities to investigate the police action on the prophet’s team.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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