News

Abuja Pastor Apologises For Mounting Pulpit With AK-47, Suspends Duties

Published

3 years ago

February 21, 2023

The presiding pastor of House on the Rock Abuja, Pastor Uche Aigbe, has tendered an unreserved apology to his congregation and the entire Nigerians for mounting the pulpit with an unloaded AK-47.

A remorseful Aigbe, in a video posted on the church’s social media page on Tuesday, showed the pastor in last Sunday’s service saying he was disappointed in himself for not considering the consequences of bringing the firearm to illustrate a passage in the Scripture before taking the decision.

Report had it how the preacher caused a stir when he mounted the pulpit with the rifle to address the congregation on ‘Guarding the Faith.’

The viral video clip of him brandishing an AK-47 on the altar generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some people calling for his arrest by security agencies.

Following the tension created by the viral clip on social media and online blogs that picked the story from The PUNCH, the church released a statement, saying the minister had always shown exemplary leadership since he became a pastor in 1999.

While explaining that the minister was trying to illustrate his message through the action, the church, however, faulted his use of the gun.

While the drama was ongoing, Aigbe was invited for questioning and subsequently detained by police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The command also confirmed the arrest of the Chief Security Officer of the church, Inspector Musa Audu, who it identified as the owner of the AK-47.

But Aigbe addressed his congregation midway through the Sunday Service that the traumatic experience he had in the last one week had given him a lot of concerns.

While apologising for the embarrassment his action had caused the church, he admitted guilt for not giving his decision to mount the pulpit with a firearm a second thought.

He said, “This morning, I stand before you with a deep sense of sobriety and contrition as I humbly address the event of last Sunday at the second service which most of us were a part of, where I used an unloaded firearm to illustrate some texts from the Bible regarding the good fight of faith.

“Of course, like you all know, it has caused a lot of embarrassment and pain to the entire church family, to you House on the Rock (The Refuge), to my immediate family and, of course, to myself. The decision that I made to use that firearm was not thoughtful. It has left me disappointed in myself. My action has been very traumatic for me, my family and, I am sure, for many of us. And I trust that we will never ever experience such again.”

While appreciating his family and the leadership of the church for the moral, physical and spiritual support he received since his trial started, the presiding pastor suddenly announced that he would be withdrawing from his pastoral assignments to reflect over the events of the past week and for healing.

According to him, the decision was taken after due consultation with the church leadership.

Aigbe also used the opportunity to pray for a peaceful and violence-free election.

“I want to thank you all for your prayers, love, empathy, goodwill messages and emotional support during this traumatic period. As Christians, time is of such trial that I have presently experienced, learning opportunities to grow in grace. I appreciate the love of our Heavenly Father who never leaves us nor forsakes us. He has promised us that no matter what happens, He will always be with us.

“To this end, I have consulted as necessary and with acceptable guidance from the senior leadership of the church. And I would like to humbly ask for your permission to take some time to pray, meditate, reflect and also to heal from all of the things that happened and its consequence. Notwithstanding, I will always be in church on Sundays and Wednesdays to worship with you.

“Let me say that I bear no grudge against anybody in my heart. If I have offended you, please forgive me. God is God and He will always remain our Father.

“So, let’s remain resolute in our faith and trust in God. Let’s continue to labour in the house and not allow the enemies to deter us in any way. I also believe God for a peaceful election on Saturday and the weeks after that,” he urged.

After he finished, the entire congregation rose clapping and applauding him.

Many walked up to pat and hug him, while reassuring him that the storm is over.

There were also reactions on the church social media handle where some followers hailed his courage and his mind-blowing apology.

Tony Atambi exclaimed, “Great to see you again, Dear Pastor!!!” while another social media user, Omiete Alalibo, wrote “Pastor Uche, the Lord will continue to stand for you. Every plan of the enemy will be turned around for good.”

Another follower, Ogunniyi Oluseye Oreofe, stated that “God has turned it around for our Good.”

A barrister, Sheyilami Longe, said, “It is well with you my pastor.”

On his own part, Nanman wrote, “God is good to us through every season of our lives and he is with you Pastor Uche, your family and every member of House On The Rock.”

PUNCH

News

Shock As Odumeje Predicts Own Mysterious Death

Published

33 minutes ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has once again stirred controversy with a dramatic prophecy concerning his own death.

In a now-viral clip from a recent church service cited by on Monday, the Onitsha-based cleric claimed that his time on earth is coming to an end — but when he dies, no one will ever find his body.

Declaring himself the “strongest spiritual man in the world after TB Joshua,” Odumeje said his mission is not about living a long life, but about fulfilling a divine assignment. “One has completed his mission and returned home; now it’s just the Lion himself, the dead man,” he proclaimed to a stunned congregation.

He said, “I am the strongest spiritual man in the world after the general TB Joshua. We are not many, we are just two. One has done his job, and when I die, no one will see my corpse, and I do not have much time here, and our mission here is to clear the doubt of Jesus Christ, and one mission, one God and one power,” he added.

Odumeje, or “The Indaboski Bahose,” is a controversial Nigerian pastor based in Onitsha, Anambra State.

He leads the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, a church known for dramatic deliverance sessions, theatrical preaching styles, and unconventional prophecies.

His latest prophecy, where he declared that no one will see his corpse after he dies, is not entirely out of character.

Odumeje is known for blending charismatic showmanship with bold spiritual claims. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for dramatic spiritual warfare (often acting out physical “fights” with demons), making public prophecies that go viral, and claiming he possesses supernatural powers that place him above typical religious leaders.

The self-styled “Indaboski” said his mission is not longevity but to prove the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

“Our work is to clear doubts. There is only one God, one power, and that power is Jesus Christ,” he added.

The prophecy has since set social media on fire, with many Nigerians debating whether Odumeje’s claim is a revelation or theatrics.

Odumeje operates at the intersection of faith, spectacle, and controversy.

Whether viewed as a genuine prophet or a spiritual entertainer, his influence in Nigeria’s religious landscape is undeniable.

His recent prophecy about dying without leaving a trace is consistent with the dramatic, mysterious persona he has cultivated over the years.

News

Yeye Mofin Of Lagos Is Dead

Published

1 hour ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Leila Fowler, is dead.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement by the school, which she established in 1991 in honour of her late daughter.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

“Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991.

“Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education.

“Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement partly read.

Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) was educated at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

She initially pursued a teaching career before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic ambition later led her to law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, before returning to Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.

Fowler built a career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy.

She also contributed to public life, serving as a councillor in the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980, and was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

Her passion for education culminated in the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has since become one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, renowned for its culture of academic excellence and leadership training.

Fowler was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and respected scholar.

In recognition of her contributions to education and society, she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

The school’s tribute described her as a devout Christian, lover of music, philanthropist and mentor who “will be deeply missed,” adding that “Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
(PUNCH)

News

Edo Community Leadership Crisis Claims Two

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

Two persons have been killed in a leadership crisis in Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

The two persons, identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo, were killed last week at the height of the crisis between the warring factions over who controls the community.

A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, said the state government had launched an investigation into the murder of the duo.

Itua in the statement said the investigation is being spearheaded by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, in collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.

According to the statement, on Saturday, the investigative team was led by the Government House Chief Security Officer, CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the governor, Okoh Saturday, to the community to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the killings of Enomwa and Imaghodo.

Addressing the community during the visit, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaebe, condemned the act of violence and reiterated the government’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in Edo.

He said, “Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and ultimately claimed the lives of two men.

“This is unacceptable. The Governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law.

“The government condoles with the families of the victims and assures them that justice will be served. At the same time, we are sending a very strong message to community leaders: disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence.

“Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”

Residents of Iyanomo Community, who received the team with relief, expressed appreciation to the governor and the security squad for their swift response.