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Tag: Chief Imam

  • Chief Imam’s son shot dead in Abuja over land dispute

    Chief Imam’s son shot dead in Abuja over land dispute

    Operatives of the Nigerian police have accidentally shot dead Attahiru Abubakar, the son of Abubakar Yaqub, Chief Imam of the Kuchibuyi community in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory, during a land dispute in the area.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the victim had died instantly after being hit by a police bullet, while his elder brother, Abass, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently battling for his life at a hospital.

    Reacting to the development, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, in a statement released Saturday, said that the police were responding to a civil disturbance in the area.

    According to her, “The FCT Police Command received a distress call regarding a civil unrest incident stemming from a land dispute at Kuchibuyi community under Byazin Division.

    “The Divisional Police Officers of Byazin and Kubwa swiftly mobilised to the scene and brought the situation under control. Arrests have been made, and the investigation is currently ongoing.”

    Adeh stressed that the police did not instigate the conflict, saying, “It is important to clarify that the issue is a communal dispute and not in any way related to the police.”

    She also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, as saying, “The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the actions of youths attacking police officers who were on a mission to restore law and order.

    “Such behaviour will not be condoned, and firm action will be taken against anyone who attacks police or other security personnel responding to distress calls.”

    However, members of the Kuchibuyi community have contested the police account, claiming that the incident involved indiscriminate shooting by the officers that resulted in the fatality and injuries, which the official statement failed to acknowledge.

    Speaking to the publication mentioned above, the deceased’s brother, Sanusi Abubakar, said their father, the Chief Imam, was also shot during the incident.

    He accused the police of acting on the orders of an estate manager attempting to forcibly grab community land.

    He said, “There was one estate manager who wanted to take over a large portion of the community land without our knowledge. He arrived with some soldiers and vigilantes.

    “Later, he called the police. After some boys blocked the road during the standoff, and it was seemingly resolved, police officers and the task force returned and started shooting at residents.

    “My brother, Attahiru, was shot dead on the spot. My second brother, Abass, was also hit and is in the hospital. Our father, the Chief Imam, was also shot.”

    A resident who witnessed the incident also said, “The police lied in their statement. They didn’t mention that three people were shot, two sons of the Chief Imam and the Imam himself. Attahiru died instantly from a gunshot to the chest while his brother is in the hospital in Bwari.

    “After that, the police arrested about six young men they saw on sight. What happened yesterday (Saturday) was frightening, and they’re trying to cover it up. That same estate manager brought soldiers to the community just two days earlier.”

    Photos seen by the publication showed Attahiru’s lifeless body with a gunshot wound in the upper left chest, and another image displayed his body wrapped in cloth after the incident.

  • I paid N6.5m ransom to regain freedom – Uromi Chief Imam opens up

    I paid N6.5m ransom to regain freedom – Uromi Chief Imam opens up

    The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo has opened up on claims that he was rescued by the police.

    The cleric revealed he paid N6.5 million ransom before regaining freedom.

    The police had in a statement signed by its spokesperson in Edo, CSP Moses Yamu, claimed that he was released following sustained pressure mounted by them.

    But in an interactive session with journalists, the Chief Imam said contrary to the police claim, he paid ransom to the kidnappers.

    “I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central, I was kidnapped on July, 9, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,”

    “I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police” he said

    He said upon his return from captivity, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information, which he provided.

    He said after explaining what transpired to the DPO, he was surprised to see the police “trying to take credit for doing nothing”.

    “My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police.”

    He however expressed appreciation to those who prayed for him and showed concerns during his period in captivity.

  • “I just hate when any man comes near me”- Housewife says as she confesses to murder of husband

    “I just hate when any man comes near me”- Housewife says as she confesses to murder of husband

     A 25-year-old woman, Fatima Abubakar, who confessed to killing her husband, Goni Abbah, with poison over claims of detesting marriage, has said “I just hate when any man come near me”.

    It was reported that the victim, who was the Chief Imam of the area, returned from the mosque when he collapsed while eating the food served by his second wife, Fatimah.

    Abbah was rushed to the hospital for medical attention before giving up the ghost as a result of the poison ingested.

    The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdu Umar, revealed that the suspect was arrested on October 19 by men of the command at Anguwan Doki.

    Aggrieved youths in the neighborhood who had stormed the home of the victim to lynch the suspect were dissolved by the police who picked up Fatimah.

    In her confession to the police, she noted that she bought the poison from Monday Market after already making up her mind to kill her late husband.

    She said: “I never wanted the marriage. Goni was my second husband; I got separated from my first husband because I hate marriage.

    “Anytime I wake up with the fact that I am married, it pisses me off. At some point, I had to run to my parent to demand an end to the marriage but they always sent me back, asking me to be patient.

    “At some point, two months after I gave birth to my child, I ran away and slept in an uncompleted building for about two weeks. I later returned to my husband’s house.

    “Not that he doesn’t treat me well, we are also not quarreling. We are two in the household, I am his second wife and I have been married to him since 2021. But I just hate when any man comes near me.

    “I don’t know what is wrong with me. Even now that I am speaking to you, I don’t feel that I was the one who killed him.”

  • PDP attacks APC over sacking of Abuja chief Imam, Sheikh Nuru

    PDP attacks APC over sacking of Abuja chief Imam, Sheikh Nuru

    Recall that Sheikh Nuru had in a sermon admonished the worshippers not to vote in the next general election if the Nigerian government doesn’t fix the problems confronting the country.

    PDP also lambasted the inability of the APC led administration to decisively defend Nigerians from terrorists, saying its action against Sheikh Nuru Khalid signals a dangerous trend of fascism in the country.

    In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Monday warned the ruling APC not to resort to facism where freedom of expression is being trampled upon,saying it’s capable of triggering widespread backlash from the people.

    “This APC’s recourse to an onslaught on the voice of citizens as witnessed in the clampdown on religious leaders, the opposition, the civil society and the media indicates an unacceptable descent to tyranny and imposition of a siege mentality to suppress dissenting voices in the face of APC’s manifesto failure,” it added.

    It further stated: It is often said that when propaganda, falsehood and lies have been promoted, elevated and institutionalized by a government (like the APC has done) every truth by the citizens is viewed as a rebellion, which the government feels obliged to crush by all means.

    “This is the character of fascism which is gradually and steadily creeping into our country under the APC and now deoxygenating our citizen’s exercise of their freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “The clampdown on Sheikh Khalid is reminiscent of the days of the obnoxious Military Decree 4 of 1984, under General Muhammadu Buhari, as Head of State, when telling the truth was categorized as a crime. Those days are scaringly creeping back”!

    PDP posited that Sheik Nuru in his sermon spoke the minds of million of Nigerians which cut across ethnicity , religion and political affiliations.

    It affirms Sheikh Nuru’s position when he said “everything is not working well. People are dying; our roads are not secured. Most of the part of the country is not secured”.., that the APC is more concerned with 2023 elections than the welfare and security of Nigerians?

    PDP queries the ruling party APC’s style of governance and urging them to channel its energy towards fixing the country’s numerous problems ranging from terrorism and insecurity.

    PDP made it clear to APC that Nigeria is operating a democratic system of government which belongs to all and sundry, saying it should not be handled like a personal property.

     

     

  • Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi attacks Abuja Imam Sheikh Nuru over sermon

    Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi attacks Abuja Imam Sheikh Nuru over sermon

    Famous Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has lent his voice over the suspension of Chief Imam of Apo Legislative quarters Sheikh Nuru Khalid over his unsavoury comment in one of his ministrations.

    Recall that the steering committee of Apo Mosque in Abuja suspended Sheikh Nuru for delivering a sermon which has been tagged anti-government last week Friday.

    In the said sermon, Nuru had admonished congregants and Nigerians not to come out to vote in the 2023 general elections if the government doesnt fix the security, economic and other problems facing the country.

    The committee faulted the sermon and described it as inciting and capable of causing public outrage among Nigerians.

    Nigerians on social media are already , divided over the sermon while some backed the cleric others posted comments that were against the sermon.

    Reacting to the sermon, Gumi condemned the sermon in its totality and described it as “sentiments overriding intellect”.

    Gumi added that the Chief Imam’s vituperations was capable of inciting the people and that makes him worst than kidnappers

    ”The Imam was wrong for trying to discourage Nigerians from participating in the election to vote out bad leaders”,

    He said, “It’s a case of sentiments overriding intellect. Calling masses not to vote out incompetent government by massive voting is worst than the few kidnappings and a misplaced judgment”.

  • Kaduna Chief Imam dies at 130, leaves 290 grandchildren, 200 great grandchildren behind

    Kaduna Chief Imam dies at 130, leaves 290 grandchildren, 200 great grandchildren behind

    Leaving 26 children, 290 grandchildren and more than 200 great-grandchildren behind, the Chief Imam of Kafanchan Central Mosque, Sheikh Adam Tahir, has died at the age of 130 years.

    Deputy Chief Imam of Kafanchan, Alhaji Muhammad Kassim, said Sheikh Adam died on Wednesday evening in an illness.

    Kassim said the late Imam would be greatly missed by Muslim faithful as he was a role model to all.

    In a condolence message, the Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad II, described the death of the imam as a huge loss to the emirate and to the people of southern parts of Kaduna State.

    Muhammadu prayed God for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

  • Gunmen kidnap Abuja chief imam, two sons

    Gunmen kidnap Abuja chief imam, two sons

    Scores of gunmen have abducted Abdullahi Abubakar Gbedako, the Chief Imam of Yangoji Central Mosque in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

    His two sons, Aliyu Usman Abubakar, 22 and Ibrahim Abubakar, 11, were also abducted with him.

    They were all nabbed at the imam’s home in Abuja around 11:47 pm on Friday.

    A family member of the chief imam, who preferred anonymity, disclosed that a contact has been established.

    The kidnappers, he said, are demanding for N10 million as ransom.

    Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, DSP Adeh Josephine, confirmed the kidnap of the imam and his two sons on Monday.

    She said investigations are ongoing and efforts are on by the police and vigilante to rescue the victims.

    “The FCT police commissioner, CP Sunday Babaji, urged members of Yangoji community to remain calm and provide information that would help the police in arresting the suspects,” she said.

  • Man stabs Chief Imam to death for sleeping with his second wife

    Man stabs Chief Imam to death for sleeping with his second wife

    The Police Command in Niger has arrested one Umar Jibril, for allegedly killing a cleric he claimed was his wife’s lover.

    Jibril, a resident of Enagi village, in Edati Local Government of the state, was arrested on Tuesday, according to Mr Adamu Usman, the Niger Police commissioner.

    Usman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the suspect was arrested on Monday, April 12, “at about 0100 hours, based on credible information”.

    He added that the suspect allegedly stabbed one Alhaji Attahiru Alhassan, the Chief Imam of Edagi, to death, with an iron rod.

    “During interrogation, the suspect claimed that while relaxing in front of his house, on Monday, the deceased walked past him and went towards his neighbour’s house.

    He said that about the same time, his second wife, Aishatu Umar, also came out of the compound and indicated that she was going to the toilet, just behind the compound.

    The suspect told the Police that after waiting for some time for her return, he went round to search for his wife and later heard her voice in the neighbour’s house.

    He claimed that he entered the house and met the deceased with his wife, adding that he immediately left the scene and rushed to a brother, one Abubakar Abdulrahman, to inform him of what he had seen.

    The suspect said that not long after, the deceased sent for him so that they could both discuss.

    According to the suspect, in the course of the discussion, an argument ensued and he grabbed an iron rod and stabbed the deceased on the neck, leading to his demise.

    The Police commissioner said that the suspect took to his heels after the incident and was pursued to Batati village in Lavun Local Government area, where he was arrested.

    “Investigation has commenced and the suspect will be arraigned, as soon as the investigation is completed,” he told

  • Gunmen kill Chief Imam, two others in fresh Kaduna attack

    Gunmen kill Chief Imam, two others in fresh Kaduna attack

    The Chief Imam of Kawaran Rafi village in Igabi Local Government Area, Sheik Danleeman Isah has been killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits during an attack on the village.

    The bandits according to the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement issued on Saturday that the bandits invaded the village and moved straight to the Chief Imam’s residence, and in what appears to be a pre-meditated attack, shot him dead and left the location without taking any items or hostages.

    He said the murder of the cleric has been linked to his vocal stance against the killing and kidnapping of citizenry by bandits.

    In a similar development, bandits also killed the Ardo Musa Layi of Kajuru local government, who was kidnapped by armed men in October 2020 for his advocacy against killing, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

    In another development, security agencies have reported the murder of the Sarkin Yaki of Godogodo, Mr Yohanna Abu, by a gang of kidnappers.

    According to the report, the gunmen attacked Nisama village in Jema’a local government area late on Friday night and abducted Mr Abu along with another resident Mr Charles Audu.

    A struggle ensued between the duo and the kidnappers, and while Mr Audu was able to escape, the kidnappers shot Mr Abu dead.

    The Commissioner disclosed that five persons have been arrested in connection with the killing, as security agencies continue to investigate the incident.

    Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed sadness at the reports, praying for the repose of the souls of the slain cleric and community leader, as he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.

  • Family dares Kogi gov, confirms Kabba Chief Imam tested positive for COVID-19

    The Chief Imam of Kabba, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu, is positive for COVID-19, his family has confirmed.

    Recall that the Kogi State Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been at loggerheads over COVID-19 cases in Kogi.

    While NCDC insisted two cases were confirmed, the Government insisted the state is coronavirus-free.

    But the family of Ejibunu told Kogi Government “to stop denying the obvious.”

    Chief Tai Ejibunu, Obatebise of Oweland, in a statement by the family, said the Chief Imam exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 because he eventually tested positive after referral from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja.

    In the statement titled, “The COVID-19 Case Infection: Matters Arising, the family said,: “Our attention has been drawn to the series of discussions going on concerning Covid-19 index case in Kabba and the identity of the index case.

    “I wish to affirm, on behalf of Ejibunu family, that the Chief Imam of Kabba, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu, was down with flu some few days back and he had to be hospitalised at the Specialist Hospital in Kabba.

    “Further medical attention was sought at the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja, as the flu did not abate after some days.

    “At the FMC, he was referred to the National Hospital in Abuja and the test conducted on him by the NCDC showed that he was Covid-19 positive.

    “The test conducted on one of his sons who had been with him since came out negative.”

    It added: “The family would have come out to speak on the matter but we were not comfortable with the ding dong game going on between the NCDC and the Kogi State government.

    “The family is concerned about the wellbeing of other and we wish to confirm that Covid-19 has found its way sadly into our community and the state.

    “Therefore, no need for Kogi State government to deny the obvious.

    “We would like to stress that the Chief Imam, of recent, had never ventured outside Kogi State by way of travelling outside the state. So, the ‘virus’ could have been contacted within.

    We wish to advise our people to please abide by the protocols emplaced by the NCDC and play safe.

    “The family is cooperating with the Kogi State government and the NCDC to stem the spread.

    “This evening, contact tracing and testing of family members of the Chief Imam had begun.

    “What we need from our people is empathy and no need for the acrimonious exchange of views and counter views.

    “May God save Oweland and her people in particular and the state in general.”