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Crisis: Pastor Adeboye’s Church Receives Backlash Over Tinubu-Branded Bus Amid Ongoing Attacks on Christian Communities

Published

1 week ago

April 6, 2026

Ryan

Religion Crisis Pastor Adeboye’s Church Receives Tinubu Bus While Christian Communities Bury Their Dead

A video circulating online showing members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) praying over and commissioning a white bus bearing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” slogan has sparked widespread criticism among Nigerian Christians.

In the footage, congregants are seen treating the vehicle as a spiritual asset, offering prayers and dedicating it in a manner typically reserved for church property or perceived divine provisions. Reports indicate the bus was obtained through a government empowerment initiative or a donation linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at one of the church’s branches.

The development has drawn sharp reactions, with many questioning what they view as a growing closeness between the church leadership, particularly Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the current administration. Critics argue that praying over a politically branded item sends a troubling message about the church’s independence.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as Christian communities in parts of northern and north-central Nigeria continue to grapple with deadly attacks. States such as Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and Taraba have witnessed repeated violence, with victims largely drawn from farming communities. Advocacy groups and human rights organisations have consistently raised concerns over what they describe as inadequate government response to the crisis.

For many observers, the imagery of a church celebrating a branded bus contrasts sharply with the ongoing mourning in affected regions. The juxtaposition has intensified frustration among those who believe religious institutions should be more vocal in addressing insecurity.

Some critics have also pointed to what they perceive as a reduced level of public advocacy from prominent Christian leaders under the current administration, compared to previous governments. They interpret the bus dedication as a sign of possible political alignment or compromise.

One widely shared reaction captured the sentiment, stating that while communities face violence, attention appears to be shifting toward political symbolism within religious spaces.

However, others have defended the church, arguing that accepting donations for ministry purposes does not necessarily equate to endorsing a political party. They note that religious organisations often receive support from various sources and that such contributions can be used for legitimate operational needs. Supporters also emphasise that RCCG is a vast organisation with numerous branches, and actions at a single location may not reflect the official stance of the entire church.

Despite these arguments, critics maintain that the issue goes beyond the donation itself. They point to the political branding, the timing, and the manner of presentation as factors that blur the boundary between religious practice and political messaging.

The situation highlights an ongoing debate within Nigeria’s Christian community about how the church should relate to political authority. While some advocate for strict independence and a prophetic role that challenges power, others believe engagement with political actors is necessary to secure influence and resources.

The incident has also fueled speculation about early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with suggestions that political actors may be leveraging religious platforms to build support among voters.

As reactions continue to unfold, many Nigerian Christians are closely observing how religious institutions navigate their role in a period marked by both political activity and persistent security challenges. The broader implications, analysts suggest, will depend on whether the church is seen as standing with vulnerable communities or aligning with those in power.

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FULL LIST: FG Names 48 Individuals, Groups Allegedly Linked to Terrorism Financing

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ryan

FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Allegedly Linked to Terrorism Financing

The Federal Government has unveiled a list containing 48 individuals and organisations accused of having links to terrorism financing in Nigeria, as part of renewed efforts to cut off funding to violent groups.

The名单, released on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, identifies persons and entities suspected of providing financial support for terrorism-related activities across the country.

According to the publication, some of those listed are believed to have connections with groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The move is part of broader counter-terrorism strategies aimed at tracing and dismantling financial channels that sustain insurgency and related operations.

Nigeria has continued to grapple with terrorism as a significant security concern, with organisations like Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for repeated attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, and key infrastructure over the years.

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Video: I Will Not Take That – Channels Anchor Pushes Back at Ex-ADC Chair Over Allegation on Live TV

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

Ryan

Channels Anchor Pushes Back at Ex-ADC Chair Over Allegation

A live television exchange turned tense as former chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, and Kayode OkikiOlu, a news anchor with Channels Television, clashed during an interview.

The disagreement began when OkikiOlu asked Nwosu to identify individuals who allegedly offered him three ministerial slots to prevent the ADC coalition from materialising.

Nwosu had previously claimed that certain persons approached him with such an offer to stop the party from aligning with a coalition. However, when pressed to name those involved, he declined to provide details.

Instead, the former party chairman accused the anchor of being influenced to ask the question, alleging that OkikiOlu had received a text message prompting him to raise the issue.

The claim drew an immediate response from the journalist, who firmly denied the allegation and challenged Nwosu to provide evidence.

“That is not true, you do not have evidence. I can show you my phone; nobody sent me a text message, and it is unfair for you to say that on national television without proof. I will not take that,” OkikiOlu said.

A co-host later intervened, calling on Nwosu to apologise for the remark. The former ADC chairman subsequently issued an apology.

The exchange has since attracted attention, highlighting tensions surrounding claims linked to the ADC coalition discussions.

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Bandits Kill Five, Abduct 22 in Midnight Attacks on Sokoto Communities

Published

5 days ago

April 9, 2026

Ryan

Bandits Kill Five, Abduct 22 in Midnight Attacks on Sokoto Communities

At least five people have been killed and 22 others abducted following coordinated overnight attacks by suspected bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Residents who spoke anonymously said the assaults occurred between late Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, targeting Sabon Birni town, Dan Aduwa, and Kwaren Gamba.

In Sabon Birni town, gunmen reportedly entered through the Sabon Hegi area on the outskirts, approaching from the western side near a cemetery. Witnesses said the attackers fired indiscriminately, triggering panic as residents fled for safety.

Two victims, identified as Abbas Sani and Bala Mai Laya Moriki, were killed, while eight others were taken away. Among those abducted was a visually impaired man, according to a resident.

Sources also revealed that one of those killed and five of the abducted victims had travelled from Moriki in Zamfara State for fish trading. Five injured persons are currently receiving treatment at a general hospital in Sabon Birni.

In Dan Aduwa village, the attackers struck around midnight, abducting three individuals, including two bridesmaids and a man. A resident linked the incident to gunfire during a wedding celebration earlier that night.

“Shortly after some youths fired locally made guns at a wedding, the bandits invaded and took three people,” the source said. The abducted victims were identified as Sabiu Saidu, Balira Halliru, and Maryam Mansur. No fatalities were recorded in the village.

Meanwhile, in Kwaren Gamba, the assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles around 11:05 p.m., killing three people and abducting 11 others, including six men and five women.

The deceased were identified as Malam Yakubu, his son Kabir Yakubu, and another resident simply identified as Yakubu. Residents said security operatives later responded, preventing further casualties.

A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the incidents but did not provide casualty figures.

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command said it was still gathering details, with spokesperson Ahmad Rufai noting that he had yet to receive a full briefing from the Divisional Police Officer in Sabon Birni.