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We may have been scammed by asylum seekers – Church of England

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The Church of England has admitted for the first time that it may have been “scammed” by asylum seekers falsely claiming to have converted to Christianity to boost their chances of staying in the UK.

The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, conceded it was “very difficult” to look into the hearts of converts and be 100 per cent certain that they were genuine.

She acknowledged there had been a “small number” of alleged abuses but said the clergy “do the best they can” and it was “ultimately” the job of immigration tribunals and the Home Office to assess and vet the validity of asylum claims.

Her comments come after robust denials by the Church of England of claims by senior MPs and whistleblowers that clergy have been routinely supporting “bogus” asylum claims and enabled a “conveyor belt” of thousands of asylum seekers to convert.

Abdul Ezedi, the Clapham chemical attack suspect, was granted asylum after claiming to have converted to Christianity, despite having two convictions in the UK for sex assault and exposure.

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Friends of Ezedi, an illegal migrant, told The Telegraph that he was a “good Muslim” who bought half a halal sheep every fortnight, despite his apparent conversion. James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, is reviewing the facts of the case to establish if the law needs to be overhauled to prevent such abuses.

Abdul Ezedi, the Clapham chemical attack suspect, was granted asylum after claiming to have converted to Christianity.

Asked about the role of the Church of England in conversions of asylum seekers, the Rt Revd Francis-Dehqani, an Iranian-born Anglican, said: “We take seriously our responsibilities, but we also know that as Christians, our primary responsibility is one of welcome and hospitality and support and teaching, but we need to do that in a way that is wise and, and is aware that occasionally there is
 are people who might try and scam us.”

Asked on the BBC Sunday programme if she thought there were asylum seekers scamming the system, she said: “It’s very difficult to look into the hearts of people ever and be 100 per cent. And that goes for whether that person is from Britain or an immigrant from elsewhere.

“But we absolutely advise clergy to do the best they can. And I think what’s happening here is that inevitably there will be a small number of cases.

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“But it seems to me that it’s wrong that a very small number of alleged abuses should be highlighted because it’s diverting attention away from the systemic problems, which is that we have an immigration system that’s overwhelmed and inefficient.”

She said she was “very open” to “looking again” at the Church of England guidance for clergy on how to help and support asylum seekers wanting to convert.

‘Conveyor belt of baptisms’
Asked if the bar should be set higher for baptisms, she said: “Preparation is in most cases very rigorous and that’s right and proper. I think, God forbid, you do take that seriously regardless of where people are coming from. It’s just that in the end, it’s impossible to prove 100 per cent.

“But we do have this guidance and we do make it very clear that clergy must be as confident as they possibly can be that those seeking baptism fully understand what it signifies.

“As we’ve heard already, some people fall away from the system if they are trying to scam it because they realise it’s taking longer than they would ideally like.”

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Her comments follow claims last week by a whistleblowing former Church of England priest that the Church was complicit in a ”conveyor belt” of asylum seeker baptisms used by migrants to remain in the UK.

The Rev Matthew Firth, who was priest in charge at a parish in the north of England, told The Telegraph how he tried to stop the “veritable industry” of baptisms after discovering the scale of abuse in the system.

On Sunday, The Telegraph also revealed judges have raised concerns that some “unquestioning” church leaders were being “duped” by insincere asylum seekers converting to Christianity to avoid deportation.

Judicial decisions highlighted examples of clergymen and lay leaders failing to query the motives of purported converts whose asylum applications they had agreed to support.

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Peter Obi Praises Air Peace London Experience, Commends Complimentary SIMPLAA Ride Service

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Peter Obi Praises Air Peace London Experience, Commends Complimentary SIMPLAA Ride Service

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has applauded Air Peace for delivering what he described as a seamless and impressive travel experience on its London route.

Speaking upon arriving in London aboard Air Peace, Obi commended the airline’s service delivery and encouraged Nigerians to support the indigenous carrier. “Since the inception of Air Peace’s London flights, each one of these experiences with Air Peace have been very smooth and very exciting, and I believe that we should all patronize Air Peace,” he said.

Obi also highlighted the airline’s complimentary drop-off ride service in partnership with SIMPLAA, noting that the added convenience further enhanced the travel experience.

“The whole experience of having even the complimentary drop-off ride makes it even more fascinating,” he added.

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The complimentary ride service, introduced as part of Air Peace’s customer experience offering for its London route, is designed to provide seamless transportation for Business Class and First Class passengers upon arrival, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to comfort, convenience, and world-class service.

Since commencing its Lagos-London operations, Air Peace has continued to position itself as a strong player in international aviation, offering competitive fares and enhanced passenger-focused services while promoting national pride in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

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FG Announces 150 As University, Nursing Cut-Off Mark

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The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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