A Lagos-based musician of Ilorin origin, Mukaila Senwele, famed for his iconic phrase “Koni Da Fun Ebo To Se Costay,” has passed away.

A family source revealed to ROYAL NEWS, that the artist died on Friday night.

Senwele who hailed from Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, was celebrated for his exceptional performances and unique entertainment style, which endeared him to many socialites.

A family member disclosed that Mukaila had shown no signs of illness before his death, ROYAL NEWS, reports.

“There was no indication of sickness. He spent the day with his fans and even promised to visit the family house (Ile Esinrogunjo) later in the evening,” the source shared.

According to reports the family received an emergency call about his passing from where he had been lodging with fans.

“Upon arrival, my elder brother (name withheld) and others attempted to rush him to the hospital, but we lost Mukaila to the cold hands of death,” the source added.

He will be buried on Saturday morning.

A Nigerian national, Okezie Ogbata, has been charged by a district court in Florida, United States, for defrauding more than 400 elderly and vulnerable victims of over $6m.

The Southern District of Florida, last Wednesday, found Ogbata guilty of operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme to dupe American senior citizens.

According to the Department of Justice, the 36-year-old Nigerian and his co-conspirators told a series of lies to victims “to send money for delivery fees, taxes and other payments to avoid questioning from government authorities.”

Ogbata and his accomplices sent letters falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died overseas years before.”

In pleading guilty, Ogbata admitted to defrauding over $6m from more than 400 victims, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable.

Reacting to the case, the Head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, General Brian Boynton, said, “This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime.”

Ogbata is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Roy Altman on April 14, 2025 with The Nigerian Achievers Awards Institute, with the possibility of a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Veteran actress, Joke Silva, has voiced concerns over the recent murders of women by their partners in the country over alleged infidelity.

In an exclusive interview with Saturday Beats, she expressed her outrage, stating that men who kill their partners for alleged infidelity should face life imprisonment.

She said, “These men should be tried and put in jail for life because it is a capital offence. The law should take its course because it’s ridiculous. Men cheat all the time. Do they get killed? Do they get burnt? What rubbish is that? Where’s the proof that she cheated? And what about the man who she cheated with, what would happen to him? Is he supposed to go scot-free?”

She added, “It’s so bad. Even if there’s evidence of cheating, why can’t you just carry your bag and leave? Or send the woman back to her parents? If you investigate properly, you’ll probably find that the murderer has cheated a million times, yet he’s killing his partner in one instance.

“The women who are dead now are people’s children and mothers too.”

On the entertainment industry’s role in addressing the killings, Silva said, “How much advocacy do you want the industry to do? One of the best forms of advocacy is enforcing sanctions for bad behaviour. This isn’t just bad behaviour; it is criminal.”

A remarkable  Lagos temple in Nigeria is breaking barriers by standing as a testament to unity and shared faith. A temple where Christians and Muslims come together in a tapestry of worship, melding their traditions and songs in an atmosphere of acceptance and love

‘I’m going to the church where both Christians and Muslims pray and sing together,” the reporter asked a vulcaniser whose machine was strategically placed beside a busy junction along Governor’s Road in Ikotun, Lagos State.

The artisan, with a knowing smile, corrected the reporter, saying, “The members don’t call it a church here, they prefer to call it a temple.”

After a brief exchange, the reporter carefully navigated the bustling street, and after a few turns, the red-roofed building, described by the vulcanizer, came into view.

It stood quietly in the afternoon sun, nestled amidst the hum of the densely populated suburb.

“Jehovah Allah”

Situated at the end of Lasisi Osaju Street, one of the first things that catch the eye is the modest yet meaningful signpost proclaiming, “Jehovah Allah, you are the greatest.”

This reporter discovered that this unassuming display serves as a powerful testament to the temple’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, creating a space where divides between religious communities are bridged.

It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the temple, aptly named God the Creator of the World Interfaith Ministry.

Though the worship place itself is not grand, it exudes a serene atmosphere, quietly inviting those who pass by to pause and reflect on its message.

The signpost, our reporter would later discover, is more than just a physical marker as it embodies a sanctuary where individuals from diverse backgrounds can gather in unity, fostering understanding and love in a world often fractured by religious differences and intolerance.

A peek into interfaith service

As one approaches the lone building, the air becomes thick with the harmonious sounds of worship songs blending effortlessly together.

The sunlight streams through the doors and windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colours onto the polished, clean-tiled floor.

Here, men and women, clad in a beautiful fusion of Christian and Muslim attire, gather in unity.

The sanctuary itself is adorned with intricate designs that reflect both religions’ influences.

Women in flowing abayas, embroidered with delicate patterns, sit alongside those in vibrant church dresses, their heads covered with scarves or hats—an enchanting tapestry of faith and culture.

This temple, a sanctuary of coexistence, hums with an energy that is both reverent and celebratory.

As the service begins, the atmosphere shifts, wrapping the congregation in a palpable sense of anticipation.

The leader, a charismatic figure with an infectious smile, steps onto the elevated platform. His attire is a tailored native dress that incorporates elements of traditional Muslim garb, symbolising the beautiful blending of the two faiths.

With a voice that resonates warmly through the temple, he welcomes all, stressing the importance of love, respect, and understanding.

His sermon weaves together stories from both the Bible and the Qur’an, illustrating shared values like compassion, charity, and the pursuit of peace.

The congregation listens intently, nodding in agreement, their hearts open to the profound message of unity.

As the cleric speaks, the choir, a diverse group representing both faiths, prepares to take the stage.

Their attire reflects this beautiful amalgamation — some wore choir robes adorned with traditional patterns, while others wore flowing tunics in vibrant colours.

When they begin to sing, the melody transcends barriers of language and belief. The harmonious blend of Christian hymns and Islamic songs fills the air.

The congregation joins in, their voices rising in a powerful chorus that echoes through the temple — a testament to their shared devotion.

The rhythm of the music pulses through the crowd.

As the worship continues, the unique interactions among the congregation become apparent.

A group of children, dressed in both traditional Nigerian attire and Western-style clothing, play together in the aisles.

Parents, regardless of their faith, share smiles and nods of encouragement as they watch their children dance together.

This scene is a microcosm of the temple’s ethos, where differences are celebrated and commonalities embraced.

As the congregation exits, they do so with smiles on their faces, exchanging greetings and blessings.

An Alhaji and brother

Lagos-born Alhaji Morzuq Ibrahim was the one who ushered this reporter into the temple during his visit.

Throughout, he stood quietly among the other members of the temple, who were engaged in various tasks.

Ibrahim, who claims Olasunkanmi as his Yoruba-Christian name, radiated peace.

As a committed member of the temple long before his recent pilgrimage to Hajj in late 2023, he felt a special connection to the community that had welcomed him.

Clad in a clean shirt, Ibrahim appeared to have been enjoying the good things of life since his journey into this mixed faith began more than a decade ago.

“I met the prophet about 15 years ago. I was working in Ibadan, Oyo State, but encountering some challenges,” he began, his voice echoing softly through the temple.

“I had attended other churches because I’m someone who can follow you anywhere if I believe that you’re worshipping God, irrespective of the religion. So, someone directed me to him when I came to Lagos. We spoke, and in the process, I started asking him some questions.

“We prayed, and everything we prayed about came to pass. We saw the foundations of our problems and began to see solutions,” Alhaji Ibrahim shared.

The 34-year-old was intrigued by the message that God is one and that religion should not divide humanity but rather bring people together in love and service. His voice grew richer with emotion as he recounted the day he realised that life’s problems could be solved without paying any money to anyone, carrying sacrifices, or gulping concoctions.

While many may see differences in faith as barriers, the automobile dealer learned to appreciate the underlying similarities that connect all believers.

His journey to Mecca, according to him, deepened this understanding.

According to him, among the millions gathered in the holy land, he witnessed how believers from all walks of life shared a common purpose.

Upon his return, he felt resolute in his choice to embrace the teachings woven into the fabric of the temple, where love transcends individual doctrines and fosters a community grounded in the shared belief that, ultimately, all religions worship the same God.

“We help each other grow and support each other whether you want to go to Jerusalem or Mecca. As long as you’re serving God, there’s support here,” he added.

When narrating his parents’ reaction to his decision to stick with the temple, Alhaji Ibrahim said, “Just because my parents did it this way doesn’t mean I have to follow the same path. Our perceptions are different. The research my parents were unable to do, I did, and it’s been working for me. So, people talking about what we do here doesn’t bother me.”

12-year-old temple

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the temple was established over 12 years ago. A survey around the building reveals that it is designed to accommodate both Christian and Islamic practices, as it features an architectural style reminiscent of a church, complemented by an arch at the front, similar to that of a mosque.

Findings further revealed that Muslims regularly gather at the temple to observe their daily prayers, creating a harmonious atmosphere where members of different backgrounds can connect through shared worship.

According to some members, the temple does not celebrate Christmas. Instead, it embraces New Year celebrations and observes Ramadan and Lent fasting periods.

Union aided by mixed upbringing

Our correspondent observed that a mixed upbringing helped members embrace the temple’s interfaith teachings. Many raised in diverse religious backgrounds found it easier to accept the principles promoted by the temple.

One member of the church, Mary Kemi, told Saturday PUNCH that her upbringing played a key role in her decision to embrace the temple’s teachings.

“Naturally, I don’t discriminate. I was going to mosques by myself right from primary school. My best friend then was a Muslim, and she taught me how they observe their prayers.

“My mother is a Muslim, and my father is a Christian. So, growing up together made us believe that all religions are one. When my mum wanted to go to any party, I would go there wearing a hijab. And I dressed the part whenever I went to my dad’s church,” she narrated.

So, when Kemi was introduced to the temple, she felt completely comfortable with it.

“When people ask, I tell them that I go to a place where Christians and Muslims worship. We sing both Christian and Muslim songs. I’m not imposing anything on anyone, so everyone has their own faith,” she defended.

‘Took three years before conviction’

A relative of the prophet, Ajibola Oshoba, said it took him three years to make sense of what the prophet was saying about Jesus and another entity called God, the creator.

The 33-year-old said, “He told me that Jesus is not God, but I disagreed. He said I should pray about it so God could reveal the answer to me. I did, and that was the encounter that drew me to this temple.”

The physics graduate explained that religious discrimination should be abolished in the country, adding that discrimination would lead to stunted growth.

Encounter with the founder

Our reporter was later introduced to the founder of the temple, Mobolaji Ganiyu Elijah Oshoba, who had been sitting quietly in a corner of the temple.

After exchanging pleasantries, he began narrating the history that shaped his life.

Born in the Idi-Oro area of Mushin Local Government Area in Lagos, he recounted the formative years of his life with a blend of pride and humility.

“I started my secondary school education at Nigerian Model High School in Idi-Oro before transferring to Idi-Araba High School,” he said, reflecting on an educational journey marked by its share of challenges.

At just 13 years old, his life took a tragic turn when his father passed away at the age of 33.

As the second of eight children, he felt the weight of responsibility early in life. He explained that his mother supported the family and introduced him to PZ Industry, where he began his career in electrical electronics.

Amidst the struggles and the backdrop of a mixed-religious family—his father a Muslim and his mother a Christian—the seeds of his interfaith vision were quietly taking root.

“I grew up going to church with my mother, and in those moments, I found a genuine love for prayer and a yearning to draw closer to God.

“I was moved when I noticed that Muslims, Christians, and even traditional worshippers all claim to serve God, yet we still witness chaos and suffering in our nation.”

This, he said, ignited a spark within him, compelling him to ponder the true essence of faith and its potential to foster harmony. It was this insight that eventually led him to establish the temple.

Three prayers, three visions

“It happened in December 2009. I was praying for the peace of Nigeria and asked God to show signs if He was truly God by bringing peace to Nigeria,” he began.

“I could not serve a God who couldn’t take care of my nation or give us peace. So, I made the prayer.”

That night became a pivotal moment in Oshoba’s journey, as he claimed a haunting dream reshaped his mission.

“I saw President Olusegun Obasanjo announcing that the nation had been divided into two.”

Suddenly, he said he heard the thunderous sound of marching feet, causing the ground beneath him to shake.

“When I looked up, I saw soldiers coming, and panic rose within me. I tried to escape,” he recalled.

In his frantic search for safety, he said he spotted a terrified, naked little boy, no older than a year.

According to the 60-year-old prophet, just as he reached out to save the child, two soldiers seized him — one grasped his head while the other clutched his legs — and gruesomely tore him in two.

“I woke up shocked,” he said.

After the first dream, Oshoba resumed his prayers, asking God to guide the country towards peace.

“To cut the story short, after the prayer, I went back to sleep and had another dream,” he quipped.

Oshoba narrated two more dreams he had that night.

Oshoba’s reality check

Upon waking, Oshoba connected the dots of three dreams.

“I realised that God was talking about the three religions,” he reflected.

He said these religions had failed to fulfil their divine purpose.

Determined to uncover the truth, he diligently read the Quran more than 10 times, followed by an equal commitment to the Bible.

“God began to open my eyes,” he shared, stating that despite the misguidance, there was a profound love from God for His people.

He claimed that Nigerians are genuinely striving to serve God but had been led astray.

The father of seven said through his studies, he began to perceive the true nature of Jesus differently.

“I didn’t see Him like that before,” he admitted, realising that his upbringing had shaped his understanding.

He noted that it was this vision that ignited his mission to reach out to Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers alike.

The cleric said he recognised that joining any church or mosque might lead him back to “exhorting the creatures more than the creator.”

Oshoba told Saturday PUNCH that the Quran, a book of peace, had been misinterpreted by some, and urged believers to read it with a heart aligned with love and understanding.

“If you read it very well with a love for peace, you will understand better.”

‘God is one with no religion’

Oshoba said while the Bible and the Quran may not align verbatim, they share significant similarities.

He argued against the notion that Allah is an idol, asserting that no idol claims to be the creator of human beings, while Allah does.

The cleric explained that Allah is the term for God Almighty in Arabic, just as Eledumere and Chineke refer to God in Yoruba and Igbo, respectively.

He believed that divisions among these faiths stem from language barriers and manipulation by those in power.

Oshoba questioned the effectiveness of the gods worshipped by Nigeria’s religious leaders, stating that a true God wouldn’t permit slavery.

This belief, he noted, inspired him to create a sanctuary for worship without rituals or sacrifices, focusing solely on calling on God.

He referenced Jesus’ teaching that there would be a time when believers would seek God directly.

He also addressed the conflict between Muslims and Christians, adding that while some Muslims label Christians as infidels for claiming Jesus as God, his understanding is quite different.

He pointed out that when Jesus stated that He and the Father are one, it signifies a spiritual connection rather than identity.

He said, “God does not have a religion. There is no portion in the Quran or Bible where God said someone would be called a Muslim and another, a Christian. Jesus was not a Christian when he was alive.

“Was Jesus Christ really his name as the Messiah? My research showed that the messiah who came to Israel in Jerusalem spoke two languages, Aramaic and Hebrew. I believe his parents also spoke those two languages. So, they did not give him an English name. They named him Yeshua. So, who changed the name to Jesus?”

The prophet added, “We do not use the name of Jesus to pray in this temple. We only use the teachings of Jesus because he is our teacher. He is our Rabbi, which means teacher. He is the Lord too, which means teacher. Mohammed is the Lord of Islam because he was and still is the person that God (Allah) uses.

 “The major challenge was running around, trying to convince people to follow the vision God showed me. I went to many pastors and religious leaders.”

[PUNCH]

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he was ready for talks with US counterpart Donald Trump on Ukraine, praising him as a “smart” leader who might have prevented the conflict from starting in 2022.

Kyiv reacted quickly, warning against being excluded from negotiations.

The Russian leader did not say when talks would take place, and the Kremlin said earlier it was still waiting for “signals” from Washington, despite Trump announcing Thursday he was willing to meet Putin “immediately”.

“We have always said, and I want to emphasise this once again, that we are ready for these negotiations on Ukrainian issues,” Putin told a reporter from Russian state TV.

Praising Trump as a “smart” and “pragmatic” man, Putin also repeated the Republican’s unfounded claim that he won the US presidential election against Joe Biden in 2020.

“I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president — if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020 — then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022,” Putin said.

– Pressure from Trump –

The nearly three-year Ukraine conflict has plunged relations between the two nuclear powers to their lowest levels since the Cold War.

Trump, who was inaugurated on Monday, has called the conflict “ridiculous” and threatened Russia with tougher economic sanctions if it does not agree to stop its offensive.

“If they don’t settle this war soon, like almost immediately, I’m going to put massive tariffs on Russia, and massive taxes, and also big sanctions,” the Republican said during a Fox News interview on Thursday.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on the same day, Trump said he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, claiming: “If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately.”

Putin pushed back at Trump’s claim that lower oil prices might expedite the end of the conflict.

“I have a hard time imagining there will be decisions taken that are detrimental to the American economy,” Putin said Friday.

– ‘Come back to reality’ –

Neither side has shown signs of de-escalating hostilities since Trump’s inauguration, despite the President claiming he would end the conflict in “24 hours” once in power.

Kyiv on Friday warned against being excluded from any talks.

“He (Putin) wants to negotiate the fate of Europe — without Europe. And he wants to talk about Ukraine without Ukraine,” the head of Ukraine’s presidential office Andriy Yermak said.

“This is not going to happen. Putin needs to come back to reality himself, or he will be brought back. This is not how it works in the modern world.”

Russian aerial attacks near Kyiv killed three people and wounded several others, Ukrainian officials said Friday, while Ukraine fired 120 drones at least 12 Russian regions, including the capital Moscow.

The Kremlin has launched drone or missile attacks at Kyiv almost every day since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, ostensibly targeting military and energy facilities.

“Three people were killed in an enemy attack in the Kyiv region,” the emergency services said in a statement on social media.

Fragments of a drone had struck a 10-story residential building after the head of the region said a private home had also been hit, it added.

Black smoke billowed from a residential building damaged in the strike as rescue workers hauled out the bodies of the victims, official images from the scene showed.

In Russia, the Ukrainian military said it launched an overnight drone attack striking an oil refinery, power station facilities, and an electronics plant.

State media reported that a microelectronics factory had halted work after six Ukrainian drones damaged production and storage facilities in the Bryansk region.

The Nigeria Police Force, Niger State Command, in collaboration with some vigilante members, have intercepted and recovered 520 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

According to the Niger State Police Command in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the incident occurred on January 23rd, 2025, at approximately 12:30 am.

The statement explained that during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Bida-Nku-Patigi road, which connects Niger State to Kwara State, the police stopped a motorcycle carrying two individuals, but upon interrogation, the suspects fled.

The PRO disclosed that the fleeing suspects abandoned a sack.

“A search of the sack revealed the live ammunition, which is currently under investigation.”

DAILY POST also gathered that the two fleeing suspects were traveling from Niger State to Patigi in Kwara State when they were intercepted by the police and upon being questioned, the suspects became visibly agitated and fidgety.

It was gathered this aroused suspicion among the police officers and in a bid to escape arrest, the suspects abruptly fled the scene, abandoning a bag containing 520 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

However, Abiodun stated that the exhibit is under investigation and efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

A Kenyan man who is a member of a notorious crime cabal that defrauded a Nigerian national of N150m, has been arrested.
 
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, DCI, in a statement on Friday, January 21, 2025, said Stephen Mugambi Colbe and his co-conspirators had approached the victim, pretending that they were in a position to hire a private jet to transport unspecified investment funds from Kenya to Nigeria.
 
“Hawkshaws drawn from DCI Headquarters have arrested Stephen Mugambi Colbert who earlier this month and with others who are yet to be arrested conspired to defraud a Nigerian national a sum of 150 million Naira,” the statement read.
 
"While presenting themselves as genuine business men, Mugambi and his cabal of malefactors approached the victim pretending that they were in a position to hire a private jet to transport unspecified investments funds from Kenya to Nigeria, a fact they knew to be false.
 
"Unbeknownst of the foul play, the victim made the payment amounting to 150 million naira only to realize later that he had been played when he could no longer reach Stephen or his cabal of friends in crime.
 
"Having burnt his fingers, the foreign national approached the DCI seeking for help where a manhunt for the snake oil merchants was launched leading to the arrest of Mugambi.
 
"Whereas his accomplices narrowly escaped the sherlocks’ dragnet, it is just a matter of time before they are smoked out of their hideout and brought to book.
 
"The DCI strongly warns that no efforts will be spared in dealing with such fraudsters. Further, we caution members of the public to do their due diligence in establishing the credibility of such businesses to avoid losing their hard earned money.
 
“Additionally, the public is also cautioned of an emerging trend where fraudsters have been found to be using crypto currency as a means of exchange outside the formal financial system in a bid to evade detection.”