Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Nigerian gospel artist Tim Godfrey has stirred mixed reactions online following the release of his new single “Infinity,” featuring Afrobeats singer Oxlade. The track, which dropped this week, serves as the seventh song on Godfrey’s upcoming 12-track studio album No Label. It blends contemporary gospel rhythms with Oxlade’s smooth R&B and Afrobeats style, creating a fusion that has drawn both praise and criticism. While many listeners have hailed the collaboration for its creativity and crossover appeal, others — particularly within Nigeria’s Christian community — have questioned the choice of featuring Oxlade, who is widely known for secular hits such as “Ku Lo Sa” and “Away.” In a statement unveiling the song, Godfrey described Infinity as a “magnificent piece” that aligns with his vision of spreading faith-driven music to a broader audience. The single follows Praise the Lord, which also appears on the forthcoming album. Reactions on social media have been divided, with supporters celebrating the blend of genres as a modern expression of worship, while critics argue that inviting a secular artist onto a gospel record undermines the sacred nature of the message.

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Tim Godfrey Criticizes Churches for Poor Treatment of Gospel Artists, Reveals Being Paid in Yams and Live Chicken

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has raised concerns over the way some churches in Nigeria treat gospel artists, revealing that he has been paid with yams and even a live chicken for his performances. In a video shared on Thursday by AsakuGRN on X, the award-winning singer expressed frustration over the lack of fair compensation for gospel performers, saying it has made performing in Nigeria increasingly challenging. “I don’t like coming. I come to Nigeria, but it has become difficult because of how artists are being treated,” Godfrey said in the viral clip. He described receiving food items instead of monetary payment and questioned how artists are expected to meet basic expenses. “I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have even received a living, breathing chicken. How am I supposed to pay school fees, rent, or buy property with that? It’s completely unfair,” he added. The singer’s remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media about the ethics of church payments for gospel performances and the need to properly support artists in ministry settings.  

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Baba Ijesha Claims He Was Set Up, Warns Humans Can Be More Wicked Than Snakes

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from prison, claiming that human betrayal can be worse than the venom of snakes. The actor shared his thoughts in a music video that went viral three months after he regained freedom from a Lagos State correctional facility. Baba Ijesha was released in November 2025 after serving a five-year sentence for sexual assault, following accusations by comedian Damilola Adekoya, also known as Princess. In 2021, Princess alleged that Baba Ijesha sexually assaulted her 14-year-old foster daughter at her Lagos home, a claim that led to his arrest, trial, and conviction. In the video, Baba Ijesha insisted he was set up by Princess, who he described as a former close friend. He said the betrayal led to his imprisonment and urged the public to be cautious about whom they trust. “My trust was betrayed, and I ended up in Kirikiri prison because of a woman. She asked them to silence me so that my voice would not be heard. Please listen to my own side of the story,” he said. He explained that the alleged setup began on April 21, 2021, when Princess invited him to her home under the pretext of preparing his favourite meal and offering him a movie role. Baba Ijesha said he was asked to rehearse a part, only to discover later that there was no film and that he had been lured into a trap. “That was how I got captured. The world is wicked. I was told about a job and asked to come over. When I arrived, people were waiting, and I started rehearsing what I was told by the supposed director, not knowing it was all a setup,” he stated. Baba Ijesha maintains his innocence, asserting that the real culprit remains free, and warned his fans to be wary of betrayal. “Please my fans, be careful with friends. They cannot always be trusted. The world is evil, and human beings can be more wicked than venomous snakes,” he added.

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Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Gantry Price To N995 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) gantry price to N995 per litre, marking a N221 rise in just four days amid global crude oil volatility and rising shipping costs. A senior refinery official confirmed the adjustment to PUNCH Online on Friday, saying the price revision reflects recent changes in international oil market dynamics. “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N995 per litre,” the official stated. This follows an earlier increase from N774 to N874 per litre earlier this week, meaning petrol prices at the refinery have jumped nearly 29 per cent in less than a week. Petroleumprice.ng has already updated the new gantry price, indicating potential upward adjustments at retail pumps, with petrol likely to sell above N1,050 per litre in some areas depending on transport costs and marketers’ margins. The revision came after a brief suspension of petrol loading operations at the refinery around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, which had sparked speculation among depot owners and marketers about an imminent price hike. Historically, such pauses in truck-out operations have preceded price adjustments. Dangote Petroleum has defended its pricing, saying petrol costs are tied to global crude prices, logistics, and operational realities. In a statement on Thursday, the refinery stressed that prices are not set arbitrarily but reflect international market trends and the cost of crude used in refining. The refinery noted that Nigeria’s move to a fully deregulated downstream market means domestic petrol prices are increasingly influenced by global crude rates, foreign exchange fluctuations, and supply conditions. It also emphasized that domestic refining helps insulate Nigeria from global supply shocks, particularly amid tensions in the US-Iran region. “The Dangote Refinery will ensure that Nigeria is insulated from these supply shocks by prioritising supply to the domestic market. The conflict has driven global crude and freight prices sharply higher, with Brent crude rising about 26 per cent to over $84 per barrel,” the statement read. The refinery added that it has absorbed roughly 20 per cent of the rising costs to ease pressure on domestic consumers. Data from the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) shows that imported petrol remains cheaper than Dangote’s refined fuel. As of Monday, Dangote’s gantry price was N874 per litre, while imported petrol landed at N809.37 per litre, a difference of about N64. Diesel followed a similar trend, with Dangote’s diesel priced at N1,169.42 per litre compared with N1,125.70 per litre for imported diesel.

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Wives Of Detained Military Officers Protest In Abuja

Wives of Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu staged a protest in Abuja on Friday, calling for the immediate public trial of their husbands and access to them. Joined by human rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the women gathered in the Federal Capital Territory to demand transparency and due process. The military officers were reportedly arrested for allegedly plotting to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic continuity, but the wives say their husbands have been held for more than 160 days without appearing in court. “For over five months, our families have lived in uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. We are here today to demand justice be served openly, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the protesters said. They added, “These months have been deeply painful. Our husbands have been subjected to trial by media while some of us faced intimidation from the very men in uniform who are meant to protect Nigerians.” The women emphasized that their husbands had served the nation faithfully and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and national leaders to intervene in the matter. “We are only asking for what the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian: that our husbands be treated as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The allegations should not be used as scapegoats. We want due process, nothing more, nothing less,” they said. The protesters also highlighted inconsistencies in the case, pointing to conflicting reports about seized funds and changing charges. “Initially, it was reported that N12 billion was found in an officer’s account. That figure has now been reduced to N835 million in a company account—a 93 percent decrease. The charges have also shifted from indiscipline to conspiracy to commit a coup. If there is evidence, it should be presented openly in court,” they stated. Appealing to the military, the wives said, “We are not your enemies. We are wives, mothers, and children struggling to understand how the institution our husbands served with dedication has become a source of pain. We respectfully ask for transparency, compassion, and access to our husbands to confirm they are safe.” The protesters concluded by urging authorities to uphold due process and ensure that the trial, if any, is conducted publicly, stressing that accountability and transparency are vital for justice.

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Tonto Dikeh Prays For Student During Outreach, Sparks Mass Spiritual Revival At School

Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has shared a remarkable experience from her faith journey, describing how she prayed for a schoolgirl she sensed was under a “spirit of death” during a recent evangelism outreach. In a video posted on her Instagram on Friday, Dikeh said the incident took place shortly after she and her team wrapped up an outreach at a school. She explained that she felt a troubling spiritual presence in the area, prompting immediate prayer from her and her team. “Today, God allowed me to see a glimpse of the ministry He has placed upon my life. I was delivered from the marine world so that I may become an instrument in His hands to deliver others,” Dikeh said. She recalled that while leaving the school, she sensed a dark spiritual force and shared her concern with her team. Within minutes, a young girl approached her, asking for prayer. The student revealed she had been seeing bats repeatedly, prompting Dikeh and her team to pray for her. “The Holy Spirit took over. The presence and glory of God filled that moment. The spirit of death was confronted, the demonic attack was broken, and God’s power brought deliverance. She was also one of the students who had previously given her life to Christ, making the experience even more powerful,” Dikeh said, adding that her team will continue to follow up with the girl as part of ongoing spiritual guidance. Tonto, who recently said she prefers to be called an evangelist rather than “King Tonto Dikeh,” described the event as just the beginning of God’s work in her ministry. She expressed gratitude to her spiritual mentors, Jerry Eze and Eno Jerry, for their guidance and prayers. “God is only just beginning with us as a team. As the Word says: ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him,’” she said. She also thanked her mentors for raising “radical soldiers for God” and blessing the materials used during the outreach, noting that God’s presence was clearly evident. Dikeh concluded by highlighting the impact of the outreach, revealing that more than 100 students gave their lives to Christ. “All we can say is: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for everything You did today. God is reclaiming what belongs to Him — THE WORLD.”   View this post on Instagram  

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El-Rufai Family Says ICPC Detention Unlawful, Demands Immediate Release

The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded his immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), insisting that his detention is unlawful. In a statement signed by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said the former Federal Capital Territory minister has remained in ICPC custody despite the expiration of the initial court order that allowed his detention. El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026, after responding to an ICPC invitation. A magistrate’s court issued a 14-day remand order the following day, but the family noted that the detention period has since lapsed without any charges being filed or a fresh order obtained to justify keeping him in custody. “As of today, there is no valid legal instrument authorising his detention,” the statement said, calling the ICPC action “unlawful” and demanding his immediate release. The call comes amid heightened legal and political tensions following a raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja residence by ICPC operatives on February 19. According to his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, officials arrived around 2 p.m. and conducted a search of the property. El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the operation as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.” While the ICPC confirmed his detention in connection with an ongoing investigation, it provided no details about the case. In response to the raid, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC. Led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), his legal team is challenging the constitutionality of the search warrant, arguing it violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy. The matter has attracted national attention, particularly as El-Rufai has recently criticised the Federal Government and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The family insists that the ICPC must either charge El-Rufai in court or release him immediately, warning that continued detention without lawful authority undermines due process and the rule of law.

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Gunmen Attack Rotimi Amaechi Convoy As ADC Office, Family Home Targeted In Rivers

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, survived an attack on his convoy on Friday along the Ubima-Omuanwa road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Amaechi was en route to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his ward in Ubima when gunmen attempted to ambush his convoy. Security personnel assigned to him quickly overpowered the attackers. Earlier in the day, unidentified individuals reportedly set parts of the ADC office in Ubima on fire and also attacked Amaechi’s family home. After completing his registration on the ADC digital platform, Amaechi commended security operatives for thwarting the attack and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible. He urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing that the incident would not stop him from interacting with party members. “Our role is to be calm, be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. It will not put food on your table,” Amaechi said. He further emphasized, “Tell them we are hungry. People are dying every day because of hunger, and a few people are stealing our money while telling us to remain silent. We can no longer keep quiet.” Amaechi encouraged residents of Rivers State to register with the ADC to ensure their participation in the party’s primary elections. Attempts to reach Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, for comment on the attack were unsuccessful.

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Kidnapped Father Of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Found Dead As Police Arrest Seven Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a traditional ruler, Eze Francis Igwe, who was abducted while heading to church. The late monarch is the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State. The abduction happened in Ndufu-Alike, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area that also hosts Alex Ekwueme Federal University. Police spokesperson in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed in a statement that the monarch was kidnapped on March 1, prompting a swift deployment of operatives to rescue him. According to the statement, investigations led to the arrest of two principal suspects believed to be part of the kidnapping gang. During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted that the monarch was murdered on March 2. Ukandu said the suspects later guided officers to their hideout where the monarch’s body was found and recovered. Further operations by the police resulted in a gunfight with other members of the criminal group. One of the suspects was killed during the exchange, while seven others were arrested. Some members of the gang managed to escape. Police also recovered a locally made pistol from the suspects, while a manhunt has been launched to capture the fleeing gang members. Ikwo Local Government Area has experienced several violent incidents in recent times, with some observers linking the attacks to rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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EFCC Receives Petition Against Mele Kyari Promises Swift Investigation

Senate Summons Mele Kyari, Former NNPCL Officials Over Alleged Missing N210 Trillion

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has been summoned by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over alleged financial irregularities amounting to about N210 trillion. The committee’s chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, announced the decision during a press conference in Abuja, stating that Kyari and members of his former management team are required to explain several issues discovered in the company’s audited financial records between 2017 and 2023. According to Wadada, the investigation began in May 2025 after lawmakers reviewed reports from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation covering the 2019 and 2020 financial years. He said the committee later expanded its probe to include NNPCL’s audited accounts prepared by external auditors, as well as financial documents from the former National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), now called NNPCL Upstream Investment Limited. The lawmaker explained that the panel raised 19 queries to the company seeking clarification on inconsistencies found in the financial statements. However, the responses provided by NNPCL were described as inadequate. One of the major concerns raised by the committee was the N103 trillion listed as accrued expenses in the company’s 2022 audited accounts. The expenses were said to include retention fees, legal costs and audit charges, but the accounts did not provide a clear breakdown of the figures. Although the company explained that the amount represented cumulative spending by joint venture partners under the joint venture cash call arrangement, the committee rejected the claim, noting that the cash call system had been abolished in 2016 and became effective from January 2017. The panel also questioned another N107 trillion recorded as sundry receivables as of December 2023. According to the committee, NNPCL claimed that some of the funds were owed by defunct banks and other organisations but failed to provide detailed records identifying the institutions involved. Lawmakers further observed a possible duplication of subsidy deductions worth N3.8 trillion, which they said appeared to have been removed both from crude oil revenues recorded by NAPIMS and from petroleum product proceeds in NNPC’s accounts. Additional concerns were raised over about N5 trillion listed as direct production costs between 2017 and 2021, despite the fact that neither NNPC nor NAPIMS directly produces crude oil. The committee also described as excessive the N5.9 billion reportedly spent on incorporation expenses during the transition from NNPC to NNPCL. Following the discoveries, the committee directed the company to account for the combined N210 trillion linked to unexplained accrued expenses and receivables. It also asked that any production costs wrongly charged to crude oil revenue within the period under review be refunded. In addition to Kyari, the committee has invited former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya and the former Group General Manager of NAPIMS, Bala Wunti, to appear before it as part of the ongoing investigation.

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