By Samson Adeyanju 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid tribute to the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, praising his courage and humanity for saving 262 Christians during a violent attack in 2018.

In a statement issued on January 17, 2026, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose actions transcended faith and affirmed the sanctity of human life.

CAN recalled that Imam Abdullahi risked his life to protect Christians at the height of the violence, describing his intervention as a rare act of moral bravery that stood “firmly on the side of humanity when it mattered most.”

The association said the Imam’s selfless act not only saved lives but also strengthened interfaith harmony and renewed hope for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, noting that he became a symbol of unity in a nation often divided by religious suspicion.

It further recalled that CAN honoured the late Imam with an award during its Sapphire Anniversary celebrations in 2021, in recognition of his exceptional service to humanity.

CAN called for sustained public recognition of the Imam’s sacrifice, including continued engagement with his family, to ensure that his story inspires unity, mutual respect and peace across the country.

While mourning his passing, the association extended condolences to his family and community, describing his life as one lived in service to God and humanity, and praying that his legacy will endure for generations.

By Samson Adeyanju 

The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, have condemned the actions of one of their members during the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi on January 14, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Supreme Subordinate President, Major General Joachim Chuks Amamgbo, the organisation said the behaviour of Mr. James Okoye “is clearly not in line with the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church nor those of the Knights of St. John International.”

The statement emphasised that filial respect for the Church and its clergy is sacrosanct and apologised for the embarrassment caused by the incident.

It added that the leadership of KSJI in Nigeria is addressing the matter in accordance with the disciplinary provisions of their Constitution.

“We totally condemn this very unusual behaviour and assure the Church that the leadership of the Order in Nigeria is presently addressing the incident in the most serious of manners,” the statement read.

The Knights reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the ideals of service, spirituality, discipline, charity, honour, and respect that define the Order, and appealed for continued guidance from their patron, St. John the Baptist.

The incident has attracted nationwide attention, prompting widespread discussion on the responsibilities of members of religious orders and the importance of decorum during sacred ceremonies.

By Samson Adeyanju 

Faith and controversy collided in Nnewi on Wednesday as the inauguration of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral turned into a public protest.

Sir James Louise, a Knight of the Catholic Church known as Ebube Anaedo, renounced Christianity during the ceremony, citing the Church’s failure to acknowledge the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s contributions to the cathedral.

In a viral video, Sir Louise was seen in tears, removing his shoes and cap, symbols of his knighthood before declaring his exit from the faith.

“This is my last day as a Christian. I am done. How can a cathedral that Ifeanyi Ubah worked so hard to build be inaugurated without mentioning his name even once?” he cried.

The late Senator Ubah reportedly funded about 85 percent of the cathedral’s construction, including roofing and windows.

Sources say tensions rose after the appointment of a new Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, in 2022, who requested that Ubah channel further contributions through the diocesan office, a request he declined.

The incident has sparked nationwide debate about recognition, transparency, and how institutions honour the legacies of benefactors. As of filing, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi had not issued an official statement.

Social media reactions remain divided, with some accusing the Church of erasing Ubah’s legacy, while others criticised Sir Louise’s dramatic response.

This controversy highlights broader questions about how religious institutions balance protocol, leadership, and acknowledgment of key contributors.