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Tag: Catholic Church

  • Why I kidnapped Kaduna Catholic priest – Suspect

    Why I kidnapped Kaduna Catholic priest – Suspect

    A chief suspect (names withheld) in the kidnapping and killing of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, has provided reasons for his actions.

    The suspect, who said he needed N200,000 to solve a personal problem, spoke to NAN at the Headquarters of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), where he is currently being held on Thursday in Jos.

    The chief suspect is helping detectives to unravel the cause of the incident and how to arrest other suspects now on the run.

    Okechukwu, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Kafachan, Kaduna State, was abducted on March 4, at about 9:15 p.m. at his residence in Tachira, Kaura Local Government of the state.

    He was later found dead on March 5.

    The prime suspect, who said he invited other criminals from elsewhere to accomplish the assignment, denied asking his colleagues to kill the priest.

    “Fr Okechukwu is living in our house at Tachira and I masterminded his kidnap because I needed N200,000 to solve a personal problem.

    “I invited some guys (colleagues) from other places to assist me to accomplish the mission but I didn’t ask them to kill him.

    “I don’t know why they (allegedly) killed him; I was not with them because I later left them with the priest,”he said.

    Another suspect, names withheld, who is also being held at OPSH, said that the chief suspect had called him to assist him to actualise the crime.

    “At first, I refused to be part of the deal, but the chief suspect insisted. The chief suspect and I grew up in the same community.

    “So, on the said date I left my place in Warsa-Piti in Lere LG and participated in the kidnap of the priest.

    “He actually contacted other guys from Bokkos in Plateau who came with guns; after we took the priest and walked for some distance, we left him with them.

    “So, we can’t say how and why they allegedly killed the priest,” he said.

    An official of the OPSH, who preferred anonymity, said that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, following a raid troops conducted in a settlement at Warsa-Piti community of Lere.

    The official said that investigations were ongoing to unravel the whereabout of the remaining persons who allegedly participated in the heinous crime.

  • Kidnappers demand N20 million ransom for catholic priest

    Kidnappers demand N20 million ransom for catholic priest

    Kidnappers of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo, are demanding for N20 million as ransom for the release of the clergyman.

    Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru on Sunday evening while on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Imo.

    His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah on Monday in Owerri, in a statement.

    A source from the church, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday in Owerri, said the kidnappers had contacted some persons through whom they first demanded for N50 million, before they reduced the amount.

    “Most parishioners are extremely worried on the safety of the priest since Fr. John was kidnapped and his abductors are still keeping him up to today being Wednesday,’’ he said.

    The source said, though there were conflicting reports on the kidnappers’ demand, nobody is sure if the demand is actually coming from the abductors.

    “Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding for N50 million, some N20 million and some N10 million, the fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, we keep praying for his safe release.

    He also pleaded with the state government and security agencies to intervene and help rescue the priest, because he is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him,’’ he said.

    Another parishioner, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, noted with regrets that the abductor forced the priest to remove his cassock, forced him out of his official vehicle before taken him away.

    “We got information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock, took him out of his vehicle before they went off.

    “Naval personnel at Izombe later recovered the vehicle,’’ him said.

    He, however, appealed to the abductor to have change of heart and release the priest.

  • Influential French cardinal: The Pope is tired

    Influential French cardinal: The Pope is tired

    French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline at a press conference in the Vatican on Thursday, urged the faithful to pray for Pope Francis.

    “He is tired. He is one of those people who has to be taken to hospital if we really want them to get better. Otherwise they never recover,” the influential archbishop of Marseille told journalists.

    Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday last week. There is currently no indication when he might be discharged. Francis had resisted going to hospital since mid-December, in spite of evident health problems.

    Aveline said he had no more precise information and would not engage in speculation. But he also expressed his concern. The 66-year-old cardinal is among the possible successors to Francis.

    Earlier on Thursday, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that Francis had been in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in hospital where he is fighting off pneumonia in both lungs.

    “The doctors have said that I have to watch my health, otherwise I would go straight to heaven,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, according to the report.

    “I know that there are people outside there who say my time has come,” he added.

    Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, for an audience lasting around 20 minutes. Her office subsequently reported that Francis had been awake and alert.

    “We joked constantly. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said after the visit.

    The Vatican reported that the pope had spent a sixth restful night in hospital without further complication.

    He had got up and taken breakfast in an armchair, the Vatican statement said.

    The pope was admitted after falling ill with bronchitis. Concerns grew following a Tuesday update in which the Vatican reported that he was suffering from double pneumonia.

    While there are more than 250 cardinals around the world, only 138 of them are under the age threshold of 80 and will participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.

    The conclave sits in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. A plume of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney indicates that a decision has reached.

  • Pope Francis could consider resigning – Cardinal

    Pope Francis could consider resigning – Cardinal

    Pope Francis could consider resigning if his health deteriorates, Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said in a radio interview on Thursday.

    “If he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact with people, then I believe he might consider resigning,” Ravasi said.

    He described the pope’s condition as complex, but not critical.

    French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out resignation.

    Regarding speculation that Francis could follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, Aveline said: “Everything is possible.”

    Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.

    Pope Francis has repeatedly rejected rumors of his possible resignation.

    However, some time ago he announced that he had submitted a signed letter of resignation at the Vatican Secretariat of State at the beginning of his term of office.

    This letter would only take effect if he were incapacitated and too severely affected due to a serious illness and could not carry out his duties.

  • Valentine’s Day: Cleric urges Nigerians to show true love

    Valentine’s Day: Cleric urges Nigerians to show true love

    The Director of Communication, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Rev. Fr. Gregory Fadele,  has called on Nigerians to use the Valentine’s Day celebration to show true and sacrificial love to others.

    Fadele, who made the call in an interview on Friday in Abeokuta, said true love should be sacrificial and reflected on daily human interactions and relationships, marriage, and society.

    He said true love should be genuine, unconditional and expressed through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, kind words and gestures and not just material things.

    “Today, Valentine’s Day celebration has become a global celebration which started with the church with a Saint called Valentine who fought for the sanity of marriage and love.

    “It must be established that the kind of love that saint Valentine fought for and died for is the love that should be practiced within the marriage institution and the society.

    “‘It is the Christian perspective of love which has no boundaries, the love that is patient, kind, forgiven, love that is not jealous and selfish is what the church wants Nigerians to demonstrate.

    “The colouration the society is given to Valentine’s Day has shifted what the church meant by the celebration.

    “The society we are now demonstrates a selfish kind of love. Today, you see people engaging in all kinds of immorality as a way of showing love for each other,” he said.

    Fadele, however, urged political leaders to use the Valentine’s Day celebration as a reminder that we exist for one another by promoting love and impacting the society.

    He also urged parents to raise their children with love, saying that most young ones celebrating the wayward kind of love were not loved from home.

    The cleric urged youths to shun immoral acts, violence and vices that could lure them into crime.

  • Catholic Church states position on Sharia law in South-West

    Catholic Church states position on Sharia law in South-West

    The Catholic Church  has called for caution in the push for implementation of Sharia law in the South-West states of Nigeria.

    The Director of Mission and Dialogue, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, made this known while  fielding questions from journalists at the 5th Annual Media Parley in Abuja on Thursday.

    He described the recent development as a sensitive matter that required a careful observation and called for a rethink for the sake of other believers.

    Recall that there were fliers in circulation inviting guests from across the country to the inauguration of a Sharia court earlier scheduled for Jan. 11, in Oyo.

    However, the event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West was distinct from the north, where Muslims are in the majority.

    Emehel said that while the Nigeria Constitution allows for Sharia Law, the rights of others must be considered and respected too.

    He said that caution must be exercised in the  South-West, which remains a melting pot of Muslims, Christians, and African traditional religious activities.

    “The Nigerian constitution actually allows Sharia law to be implemented, especially on personal issues such as marriage, inheritance.

    “But issues of infringing on other faiths’ rights should be greatly considered.

    “The introduction or implementation of the law in some parts of Nigeria will cause a lot of issues,” he said.

    He cautioned that all these should be considered, and explained it was the reason the constitution allows for religious liberty, which allows people to fulfil their rights.

    “And in a place where you find in the same family people who follow these three main religions is difficult for the introduction of Sharia law.

    “So the church in Nigeria, the Catholic Church in Nigeria, is asking for caution.

    “First, not to throw away the legitimate desires of the people, but very importantly, look at the people’s interests first,” he said.

    Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, while reacting to the development recently acknowledged the proposed Sharia court and the controversy it had sparked.

    “Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but as for me, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.

    “If their actions are within the law, fine; if not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor stated in a broadcast.

  • Catholic church reportedly suspends priest over alleged secret marriage in US

    Catholic church reportedly suspends priest over alleged secret marriage in US

    The Catholic Diocese of Warri, has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following his reported marriage in the United States.

    This was made known in a statement titled: ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev, Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo.

    The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with one Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on 29 December 2024, noting that the footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media.

    By this action, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon law of the church.

    “Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.

    “On November 30, 2024, Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.

    “The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.

    “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement said.

    Vanguard

  • PHOTO: Catholic Priest killed by gunmen in Anambra buried amidst tears

    PHOTO: Catholic Priest killed by gunmen in Anambra buried amidst tears

    The remains of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, in Anambra, murdered on Dec. 26 has been laid to rest amid tears.

    He was buried on Thursday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi after a requiem mass at the cathedral.

    Okonkwo, a pharmacist, was murdered by his assailants while leaving the premises of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where he worked as a manager.

    In his homily, the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Monsignor Anichebe Ezeobata, said that Okonkwo, who died in his prime, had carved out an impressive niche for himself.

    The vicar general added that the priest had led an impactful pastoral life before his death, after being ordained in July, 2015.

    He explained that the deceased finished his internship as a pharmacist in October 2024 and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala as a manager.

    The cleric said that the deceased was barely two months in office before he met his death.

    Dignitaries who attended the burial mass were the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, as well as the former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra state, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna among others.

  • SHOCKER! Anambra Catholic priest abandons Christianity, becomes witch doctor

    SHOCKER! Anambra Catholic priest abandons Christianity, becomes witch doctor

    Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest of 17 years, has announced his decision to leave the priesthood and fully embrace African traditional religion.

    Obiagbaosogu, who now lectures on African Traditional Religion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, said his fascination with African spirituality and rainmaking inspired his decision.

    Speaking after defending his Ph.D. dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine”, he highlighted the richness of Africa’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which he believes has been undermined by colonial influences.

    “I have come to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” Obiagbaosogu stated.

    He revealed that his research involved studying under a renowned native doctor, gaining a deep understanding of the traditional craft. His academic inquiry aims to recover and document Africa’s lost values and spiritual practices.

    The Journey to Traditional Religion
    Obiagbaosogu attributed his curiosity about nature and spirituality to his upbringing. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while my father, though a Christian, valued traditional materials and medicine,” he said.

    This dual exposure, combined with his work as a priest in the health sector, sparked his interest in the connection between health, nature, and spirituality.

    His journey also included founding a school for African culture during his seminary days, where he witnessed a rainmaking demonstration that further deepened his interest in traditional practices.

    Obiagbaosogu attributed his curiosity about nature and spirituality to his upbringing. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, a traditionalist, while my father, though a Christian, valued traditional materials and medicine,” he said. This dual exposure, combined with his work as a priest in the health sector, sparked his interest in the connection between health, nature, and spirituality.

    His journey also included founding a school for African culture during his seminary days, where he witnessed a rainmaking demonstration that further deepened his interest in traditional practices.

    Obiagbaosogu emphasized that his transition was not a rejection of God but a pursuit of a deeper and more authentic spiritual connection. He explained, “My research in rainmaking and control is rooted in finding the truth and understanding how native doctors preserve African values. I discovered that rainmaking is real and practiced by dibia (native doctors).”

    He also discussed the interplay between magic, religion, and science, noting that modern science evolved from what was once considered magic. “The white man codified magical laws and called them science. Similarly, African magic—our native science—remains largely unexplored and misunderstood,” he said, advocating for its documentation and modernization.

    Personal Convictions
    Regarding his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu described it as a personal process of self-discovery and growth. While he declined to delve into the specifics, he said, “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to look left and right. Understanding oneself is crucial to making life decisions.”

    Now married, Obiagbaosogu continues his mission to preserve African cultural heritage through research, education, and the promotion of traditional spiritual practices.

  • Insecurity: Two Catholic sisters kidnapped in Anambra

    Insecurity: Two Catholic sisters kidnapped in Anambra

    Two Catholic reverend sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, have been abducted by unknown gunmen on Tuesday evening in Anmbra State.

    The nuns were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji when they were taken along Ufuma Road in the Orumba South local government area.

    Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.

    Their abduction was announced on Wednesday in Awka, in a statement signed by Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM Secretary General, on behalf of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.

    Although the statement did not say whether the abductors had established contact with any of the victims’ families or groups, it enjoined all priests, religious, and lay faithful to offer fervent prayers and supplications to God for the unconditional release of the sisters.

    The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched a joint operation to rescue the kidnapped sisters.

    Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam visited the scene and assured that the command is working with clues to arrest the suspects and rescue the victims.

    A statement issued by the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, said, “Police-led Joint Operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government.

    “The sad incident occurred in the evening of yesterday 7/1/2025 when the nuns were returning from a Vocational service meeting in Ogboji.”

    Unfortunately, insecurity has become a major concern in Anambra State, with frequent abductions.