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Protesters Demand Probe Of MFM General Overseer Olukoya Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

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A group of women under the banner of the Concerned Mothers Advocacy Group have staged a protest at the headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abuja.

They demanded a full-scale investigation into mounting allegations of sexual abuse, intimidation, and exploitation levelled against Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).

The protesters, some visibly emotional and carrying placards, submitted a detailed petition to the Director-General of NAPTIP on Friday, calling for immediate action.

The petition signed by one Dipo Olujobi outlined accusations ranging from sexual assault and blackmail to legal intimidation and systemic cover-ups allegedly orchestrated by the church’s leadership.

The women explained that religious leaders must not be allowed to exploit vulnerable individuals under the guise of faith, emphasising that NAPTIP must act urgently to ensure justice for victims and prevent further abuse.

The petition read in part: “We, the Concerned Mothers Advocacy Group, urgently call on NAPTIP to investigate the grave allegations against Dr. Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of MFM, including systemic sexual abuse, intimidation, and exploitation of congregants. These acts violate multiple Nigerian laws and demand immediate intervention.

“Background of Allegations: Legal Intimidation: Former MFM minister Funke Ashekun, a 20-year member, alleged that Dr. Olukoya uses proxy lawsuits to silence critics, draining them financially. According to Ashekun, pastors transferred from Nigeria file suits on his behalf to avoid direct involvement. She reportedly faced four lawsuits in the U.S., resulting in a $50,000 fine, while another victim, Badejo, was allegedly bankrupted in the U.K.

“Sexual Abuse and Blackmail: Multiple women have accused Dr. Olukoya of sexual assault, allegedly recorded using disguised devices such as pens and buttons. Akpeji Daniel, a former associate, reportedly admitted on record to procuring women for Olukoya and confirmed the sharing of illicit videos.

“Systemic Cover-Ups: Victims fear retaliation, with reports of violent attacks—including a pastor who was shot in the leg and a church member who narrowly escaped execution in 2008.”

The petition also noted that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has not publicly disowned Olukoya, despite claims that he is not a registered member.

“Legal Violations: The allegations contravene several Nigerian laws, including: Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015:

“Section 1: Prohibits sexual violence and coercion; Section 18: Criminalizes intimidation and emotional/psychological abuse.

“Criminal Code Act (Sections 357–364): Criminalizes sexual assault, blackmail, and unauthorized recordings; Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015: Section 24: Prohibits unauthorised interception or recording of private communications.

“Nigerian Constitution (1999): Section 34: Guarantees human dignity and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment.

“Child Rights Act (2003): Included as a precaution in case minors are found to be involved.

The group urged NAPTIP to: Launch an Independent Investigation: probe allegations of sexual abuse, intimidation, and exploitation within MFM; collaborate with Relevant Agencies:

“Work with the Nigerian Police, National Human Rights Commission, and INTERPOL to investigate cross-border elements of the case; Protect Victims and Whistleblowers: Secure witness testimonies using the VAPP Act’s protection provisions; Review MFM’s Legal Practices; Investigate the use of proxy lawsuits as a potential abuse of judicial processes; Engage Religious Bodies and seek clarification from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding Olukoya’s membership and hold religious leaders accountable.

“The gravity of these allegations threatens the sanctity of religious institutions and the safety of vulnerable Nigerians. We implore NAPTIP to act swiftly, leveraging its mandate under Section 4(d) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 to address exploitation and uphold justice.”

“The petition is backed by sworn testimonies, legal documentation, and a firm commitment to justice,” the group noted.

NAPTIP officials acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the protesters that the agency would review the allegations in accordance with its legal mandate.

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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