Nigeria News (Standard)
Prophet Odekunle Urges Critics to Understand His Journey Amid Public Scrutiny
Comfort Life Mission founder in Lagos recounts early struggles, calls for empathy as ministry faces mounting criticism
Comfort Life Mission founder in Lagos recounts early struggles, calls for empathy as ministry faces mounting criticism
Prophet Odekunle Epaphras, founder and General Overseer of Comfort Life Mission International, has appealed to his critics not to judge him without understanding the challenges he faced on his path to success. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday during an interview with journalists, Odekunle addressed recent criticisms from some religious leaders and members of the public regarding his ministry’s rapid growth.
Odekunle, who leads the Lagos-based church, said his achievements are a result of years of perseverance, spiritual training, and mentorship under different Christian leaders. He recounted that he gave his life to Christ at age 13 and actively participated in church activities, including prayer teams and fasting programmes. According to him, these formative experiences shaped his commitment to ministry.
The cleric explained that his journey was marked by periods of financial hardship and extended waiting for what he described as God’s appointed time. He noted that before establishing Comfort Life Mission International, he served under several prominent ministers and completed Bible school to strengthen his spiritual foundation. “People see where I am today but they do not know what I passed through,” Odekunle said during the media interaction.
Odekunle’s comments come as some religious leaders have questioned his methods and the rapid expansion of his congregation. The founder maintained that criticism is not new in ministry but urged the public to show understanding and avoid rushing to conclusions without knowledge of a person’s background. He emphasised that every success story is built on years of unseen sacrifices and divine guidance.
The Comfort Life Mission International overseer reaffirmed his commitment to serve faithfully despite opposition. He encouraged young believers facing similar trials not to be discouraged by negative voices but to remain steadfast in their faith journey. As reactions continue from different quarters, stakeholders in Lagos’ Christian community say they expect further dialogue among church leaders over standards for ministry growth.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Three for Boko Haram Links After Mass Trial
Judgement comes amid ongoing clampdown on terror suspects; rights advocates urge transparency in prosecution process
Judgement comes amid ongoing clampdown on terror suspects; rights advocates urge transparency in prosecution process
An Abuja court has sentenced three individuals to prison after finding them guilty of having links to the Boko Haram terrorist group. The verdict, delivered on Monday, follows a mass trial of suspects accused of supporting or participating in activities connected to the insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s North-East for over a decade.
The convictions were handed down as part of a broader judicial process targeting those alleged to have aided Boko Haram operations. Details regarding the specific charges or length of sentences were not immediately made public. Security officials confirmed that the judgement is part of continued efforts by government to dismantle terror networks and bring collaborators to justice.
The prosecution of terror-related cases has drawn attention from both local and international observers due to its significance in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Mass trials have previously raised concerns among human rights groups, who insist on adherence to due process and fair trial standards. However, authorities maintain that such measures are necessary given the scale and complexity of terrorism cases in the country.
Security agencies have repeatedly stated their commitment to rooting out supporters of terrorist groups. Rights advocates continue to call for greater transparency and independent monitoring during high-profile cases involving alleged Boko Haram members. The latest convictions are expected to bolster efforts by security agencies even as calls persist for improved rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for former suspects found not guilty.
Further details about the identities of those convicted or possible appeals were not available as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Deregisters ADC, Others in Abuja as Opposition Parties Vow Court Action
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with several other political parties in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures who say they will seek redress in court. The electoral body announced the move citing non-compliance with registration requirements and poor performance during recent elections.
According to INEC officials, the affected parties failed to meet constitutional criteria including winning a minimum number of seats in legislative assemblies and scoring sufficient votes in national elections. The commission said this step is aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s crowded political space and ensuring that only viable parties remain active participants.
The deregistration has immediate implications for the country’s political landscape, especially as Nigeria approaches another round of key elections. Many opposition leaders argue that such actions undermine multiparty democracy and restrict voter choice. In previous cycles, similar decisions by INEC have faced legal challenges, some of which resulted in reinstatement of affected parties.
Reacting to the announcement, leaders of deregistered parties described INEC’s decision as arbitrary and vowed to contest it in court. “This is a deliberate attempt to silence alternative voices,” one opposition figure said. Another chieftain warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Meanwhile, supporters of the move insist it will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging more serious contenders.
The next steps will likely involve protracted legal battles between deregistered parties and INEC, with broader implications for political participation across all six geopolitical zones. Observers say the outcome could shape how Nigeria regulates party registration ahead of upcoming polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Police Arrest 49-Year-Old After Fatal Knife Attack in Calabar
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Police in Cross River State have arrested a 49-year-old man, Idris Abdullahi, over the alleged killing of a young man during a knife attack in Calabar. The incident occurred along Mary Slessor Road on Friday, 14 June, according to a statement by the state police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.
Eitokpah said Abdullahi was involved in an altercation with several street boys at about 6:05 p.m., during which he reportedly sustained injuries. The spokesperson explained that after the initial confrontation, Abdullahi traced one of the alleged attackers to Chronicle Barracks Road, opposite Akim Police Barracks. There, he allegedly chased and stabbed the youth, who later died from his injuries.
The case has raised concerns among residents of Calabar North LGA about rising street violence and personal disputes escalating into deadly confrontations. Security analysts note that knife attacks remain a persistent threat in urban centres across Nigeria, often linked to unresolved quarrels and insufficient mediation mechanisms at community level.
Confirming the arrest on Monday, Eitokpah said the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. “The Command is committed to ensuring justice is served and will not tolerate acts of violence within the state,” Eitokpah stated. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased youth and notify his family.
Police authorities have called on members of the public with relevant information about the incident or those involved to come forward. The Command also assured residents that patrols would be intensified in known hotspots as part of broader measures to prevent further incidents. As at press time, no charges had been formally filed against Abdullahi.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-arrested-after-youth-dies-in-calabar-knife-attack/
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