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Apostle Alilu Issues Unreserved Apology To Korede komaiya Over Defamatory Remarks
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum s believe that the Christian faith and its leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying,” following the apology tenders by Apostle Festus Alilu to
Pastor Korede Komaiya Over Viral Video.
The cleric has issued a formal public apology to Pastor Korede Komaiya and the Master’s International Church in Warri, Delta State.
In a statement on Monday, the convener of the forum, James Paul Adama, confirmed the development, describing it as a positive step towards reconciliation.
Apology and Resolution
Apostle Alilu, in his letter of apology, expressed regret over a viral video he had posted on Facebook on 8 March 2025, in which he criticised Pastor Komaiya’s preaching style.
“I write to express my sincere and unreserved apologies for a viral video I posted on my Facebook page… where I criticised your style of preaching. I regret the offensive content of the video and the negative effect it had on your reputation and the entire body of Christ,” he stated.
The cleric confirmed that he had deleted the video from his Facebook page and had also uploaded an apology video.
“I humbly request your forgiveness and understanding so we can put this behind us and focus on our shared commitment to spreading the Gospel,” he added.
Reacting to the development, Adama commended the reconciliation effort and urged others to adopt similar approaches in resolving conflicts.
“We believe that the Christian faith and its leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of responsible communication, cautioning against defamatory statements.
“Criticism should be constructive and done within the confines of the law. Criminal offences are not just against individuals but against the state as well. Let this apology serve as a reminder that differences of opinion do not justify hateful speech or malicious behaviour,” he added.
Adama further stated that the matter had been withdrawn, and he expressed gratitude to all parties involved for achieving a peaceful resolution.
A courtroom drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja as Justice Ekwo openly dismissed the legitimacy of Barrister Pius Sunday Okeoma, who was representing the petitioner in the case involving former Minister of Special Duties, Kabir Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
During a court session, Justice Ekwo declared that Okeoma had no recognised standing in the case, as he had neither filed an appearance nor signed any documents related to the proceedings.
The judge’s remarks followed Okeoma’s previous attempt on 24 March to have the case transferred from its initial court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary.
On 28 March, Justice Ekwo firmly addressed Okeoma, stating, “As far as I am concerned, we do not know you in this court, and you have never appeared or filed any case here. This makes it illegal for you to be present.”
The judge subsequently referred the lawyer to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly from the Arewa Renaissance Group, which has raised concerns about the investigation’s integrity.
The group alleged possible collusion between investigating police officers and the petitioner, questioning the rapid pace at which the case was handled and the apparent lack of a fair hearing.
In a further twist, the father of the petitioner, Hadiza, publicly disowned Okeoma’s involvement, stating that his signature had been used in legal filings without his consent. He has since demanded that the lawyer withdraw from the case.
The Arewa Renaissance Group, through its coordinator, Usman Abba, has urged the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action.
The group has called for the immediate removal of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the gender unit at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, citing poor investigative procedures, conspiracy, and defiance of an earlier directive from the IGP.
The directive had instructed that the case be transferred to the Department of Force Intelligence, a move that was allegedly ignored.
The unfolding controversy continues to generate debate over the handling of high-profile cases and the transparency of Nigeria’s judicial process.
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, clashed with security operatives during a protest in Abuja on Friday.
The demonstration, which took place around Banex Junction in Wuse 2, saw protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine”.
Tensions escalated when some protesters reportedly began throwing stones at security operatives. In response, security personnel fired shots to disperse the crowd. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Some videos circulating on social media show the protesters marching through Wuse 2, while eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as security operatives moved in to break up the gathering.
Efforts to reach Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the federal capital territory (FCT) police command, for comment were unsuccessful.
However, a statement by Sidi Munir Sokoto, spokesperson for the IMN, described the security response as “abuse of power”.
He claimed that as many as five protesters may have been killed, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unverified.
“This is yet another tragic incident where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians who were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.
“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.
“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.”
The IMN has held several demonstrations in Nigeria, often met with resistance from security operatives.
The latest protest adds to a series of confrontations between the group and law enforcement agencies.
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Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked Muslims in the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Friday, Sambo Junaidu, chairman advisory committee on religious affairs, sultanate council, Sokoto, said anyone who sights the new moon should communicate to the appropriate authorities.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Saturday, March 29, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1446 AH, shall be the day to look for the new crescent of Shawwal 1446 AH,” the statement reads.
“Muslims are encouraged to look for the new moon and report any sightings to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
Junaidu quoted the sultan as praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon all the Muslims as they fulfill their religious obligations.
“The sighting of the new moon should be reported through the following numbers for onward communication to the sultan; 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 0803 5965322, 08099945903,” the statement added.
The moon sighting in Shawwal marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.