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Author: Femi Gbadeyan

  • Nigeria vs Iran: Kick-off Time, Venue and How to Watch On Friday

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Iran in an international friendly on Friday, March 27, 2026, as coach Eric Chelle uses the March international window to test new faces and sharpen his squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.

    The match is part of a four-nation invitational tournament being held in Antalya, Turkey, after organisers relocated the event from Jordan due to regional security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    Match details

    The game takes place at the Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, Turkey. Kick-off is 4:00pm Nigerian time, which translates to 6:00pm local Turkish time.

    Where to watch

    The match is listed on SuperSport and is available to DStv subscribers. Fans are advised to check the SuperSport channel guide closer to kick-off for the confirmed channel number.

    No additional Nigerian free-to-air broadcaster has been officially confirmed for the match. Unlike AFCON or World Cup fixtures, international friendlies often have limited or region-specific broadcast deals, meaning the game may not be available on all major local channels.

    The match is also listed on ESPN for viewers in the United States.

    Team news

    Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with a fractured forearm. Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey have also been ruled out through injury. Alex Iwobi is in the squad and is approaching his 100th international cap, currently standing at 97. Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield.

    Coach Chelle has used this window to introduce new faces to the senior setup. Emmanuel Fernandez, Collins Yira Sor, and Philip Otele are among the debutants receiving their first call-up to the senior national team.

    Iran arrive in Antalya without Saeid Ezatolahi, who is out with a foot injury, while Sardar Azmoun has been omitted from the squad. Mehdi Taremi remains their principal attacking threat alongside creative midfielder Saman Ghoddos.

    Iran in turmoil

    Iran come into this fixture carrying significant disruption. The ongoing conflict involving their country has severely affected their squad preparations, with several key players unavailable. Their football federation has publicly raised doubts about their ability to participate in certain 2026 World Cup matches on US soil, and has formally demanded a venue switch to Mexico.  The situation makes them a team in genuine uncertainty despite having qualified for the World Cup.

    Super Eagles’ recent form

    Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria have gone unbeaten in their last six matches and finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. The friendly against Iran is the first competitive-level test of what Chelle is building in the post-AFCON rebuild phase.

    Following the Iran fixture, the Super Eagles will remain in Antalya to face Jordan on Tuesday, March 31. Jordan recently qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, making that second game arguably the more demanding test of the two.

  • Sarah Martins Denies Blessing CEO’s Cancer Claim, Calls it a Fundraising Stunt

    Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has publicly challenged the cancer disclosure made by popular relationship therapist and content creator Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, describing the announcement as a manipulative attempt to generate public sympathy and solicit funds for her partner.

    The actress posted her claims on Instagram on Wednesday evening, hours after Blessing CEO’s tearful cancer video had gone viral and attracted widespread concern from Nigerians online.

    What Blessing CEO said

    Earlier this week, Blessing CEO published an emotional video in which she broke down in tears, disclosed that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and asked Nigerians to pray for her. The video generated significant sympathy across social media, with thousands of followers sending messages of support and inquiring about how to assist her.

    Sarah Martins’ counter-claims

    In her Instagram post, Martins flatly denied the cancer claim, alleging that Blessing CEO resides in the Lakwe area of Lagos and commutes regularly by bus alongside IVD. She also alleged that a Mercedes-Benz recently displayed as a gift was staged for public attention rather than a genuine acquisition. “There’s no money anywhere,” she said.

    Martins went further, alleging that both Blessing CEO and IVD are currently experiencing financial difficulties, claiming that assets had been sold to manage their expenses. She described the cancer announcement as a deliberate strategy designed to attract public empathy and donations. “This cancer story is a manipulative stunt to gain sympathy and empathy from Nigerians in order to raise money to start a business for IVD,” she alleged.

    Important editorial note

    It is critical to state clearly that Sarah Martins’ claims are unverified allegations. RNN.NG has not independently confirmed or denied Blessing CEO’s medical condition. A cancer diagnosis is a serious and sensitive medical matter, and no third party — including Sarah Martins — is in a position to confirm or disprove it without access to verified medical records.

    Blessing CEO has not responded directly to Martins’ allegations as of the time of this report.

    The controversy comes amid an already tense public dynamic surrounding Blessing CEO and IVD, with the two having previously been the subject of online scrutiny over their relationship and financial lifestyle. Many Nigerians online are now calling for verified medical evidence before drawing conclusions, while others have sided with Martins’ scepticism.

    Blessing CEO is widely known as a relationship commentator with a large social media following, and has previously been at the centre of several public controversies involving Nigerian celebrities.

  • Hellen Ati Claims Cubana Chief Priest Has Agreed to Paternity DNA Test

    Kenya-based Hellen Ati, who has publicly accused celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest of fathering her three-year-old son, says the businessman has finally agreed to undergo a paternity DNA test — a move she described as a major breakthrough in a dispute that has dragged on for years.

    What Hellen Ati said

    Ati made the announcement on her Instagram page on Thursday, March 26, 2026, expressing visible excitement about the development.

    “Finally! Pascal Okechukwu is going to do DNA test,” she wrote, referring to Cubana Chief Priest by his given name.

    She did not provide further details on when the test would be conducted, which facility would conduct it, or what legal or personal arrangement led to the agreement.

    Background to the dispute

    Hellen Ati has alleged that a one-night encounter with Cubana Chief Priest resulted in the pregnancy of her now three-year-old son.

    Cubana Chief Priest — whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu — has consistently denied the claims, insisting he had never had any such encounter with her and does not have a child outside his marriage. He had previously rejected calls for a DNA test.

    The dispute has remained a recurring topic on Nigerian social media for several years, drawing strong opinions on both sides.

    Cubana yet to respond

    As of the time of this report, Cubana Chief Priest had not issued any statement confirming or denying Hellen Ati’s latest claim on his own social media pages or through a representative.

    If the DNA test proceeds, it would mark the first definitive step toward resolving one of the most talked-about paternity disputes in Nigerian celebrity circles. The outcome, when available, is expected to be widely scrutinised given the level of public interest the case has attracted.

  • Top 10 Event Decorators in Ilorin, Kwara State

    Ilorin’s event decoration industry has grown significantly in recent years, with a number of talented and creative decorators now competing to transform ordinary venues into memorable experiences. Whether it is a wedding, birthday, corporate dinner, or traditional ceremony, finding the right decorator can make the difference between a good event and an unforgettable one.

    Here is a curated list of ten event decorators currently making an impact in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    1. Manna Event

    Manna Event is widely recognised for elegant and well-coordinated decorations at weddings and social gatherings. The outfit is known for its attention to detail and its ability to translate client ideas into polished, themed setups that reflect the occasion’s mood.

    2. Aribs Decor

    Aribs Decor has built a steady reputation for stylish and modern event design. The company is particularly sought after for creative backdrops, floral arrangements, and classy setups suited to weddings and high-end celebrations.

     

    3. Zainworld

    Zainworld focuses on visually appealing, contemporary designs that reflect current decoration trends. Clients who want a modern, social-media-worthy aesthetic tend to gravitate toward their work.

    4. JET Events

    JET Events is one of the more established names in Ilorin’s event industry, offering both full decoration services and complete event management. The company handles coordination and logistics alongside decor, making it a one-stop option for clients who want a single outfit to manage everything.

     

    5. Youngstar

    Youngstar is popular for vibrant, high-energy event designs. Their strength lies in parties, birthdays, and youth-oriented celebrations where bold colour choices and lively setups are required.

    6. Bosman

    Bosman is known for neat, well-structured decoration setups with a leaning toward simplicity and quiet elegance. Their style works well for both traditional ceremonies and modern events where restraint is preferred over extravagance.

    7. Smep

    Smep is a growing decorator with a reputation for consistency and creative variety. They handle events across different categories and are steadily increasing their presence in Ilorin’s competitive decoration market.

    8. Pasture Creation

    Pasture Creation is distinguished by an artistic approach to event styling. Their skill in blending colours, fabrics, and props makes them a strong choice for clients who want a distinctive, visually striking setting rather than something conventional.

    9. Canvass & Grandeur

    Canvass & Grandeur specialises in luxury-themed decoration. Their premium setups are tailored for high-end weddings, upscale corporate events, and celebrations where presentation is a priority.

    10. Gold Dust

    Gold Dust is an emerging decorator gaining traction in Ilorin for creative concepts and careful attention to finishing details. They are becoming a preferred choice for clients who want stylish, well-executed setups at competitive prices.

    How to choose the right decorator

    Selecting a decorator ultimately comes down to three factors — your event type, your budget, and the visual style you have in mind. Luxury decorators such as Canvass & Grandeur suit clients with higher budgets and premium expectations, while options like Youngstar and Smep offer creative value for more modest budgets. For clients who want to reduce the number of vendors to manage, outfits like JET Events that combine decoration with full event planning offer a practical advantage.

    It is advisable to book decorators at least four to six weeks before the event date, particularly during peak periods such as December, Easter, and the Sallah holidays, when the best outfits fill up quickly.

  • Fayose Warns Fuel May Hit ₦5,000 Per Litre If Tinubu Wins 2027 Election

    Nigerian businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has warned that petrol prices could rise to ₦5,000 per litre if President Bola Tinubu wins re-election in 2027, accusing the federal government of failing to restore Nigeria’s refining capacity despite billions of dollars in public investment.

    Fayose made the remarks in a video posted to his Instagram page on Wednesday, amid a fresh wave of public anger over rising fuel prices across Nigeria, with petrol now selling at between ₦1,300 and ₦1,400 per litre in many parts of the country.

    What Fayose said

    Fayose dismissed claims by some Nigerians that the US-Iran war was responsible for the fuel price hike, insisting that the federal government bears full responsibility. “Many fools are saying we cannot blame President Tinubu for our fuel going up, that we should blame America, Israel and Iran. That is a fat lie,” he said.

    He accused successive APC administrations of spending massive sums on refinery projects that have yielded no results, alleging that ₦210 trillion in oil revenue remains unaccounted for. “They’ve spent our money on refineries. 210 trillion is still missing from our oil money,” he said, contrasting the government-owned refineries with the privately funded Dangote refinery, which he acknowledged as fully operational.

    Fayose warned that the economic trajectory is unsustainable, predicting that food prices will continue to rise alongside fuel costs due to rising transport expenses. “The way we are going, be ready for 5,000 a litre. And the ripple effect, the price of yams has gone up. Food prices are going up in the market because they need vehicles to bring them from the farm to the market,” he said.

    Fayose on 2027

    The fuel crisis commentary forms part of Fayose’s broader campaign against Tinubu’s re-election bid. The businessman has separately predicted that President Tinubu will fail to secure even 20 per cent of votes in the South-East region in 2027, backing that claim with a ₦10 million wager directed at the City Boys Movement — a pro-Tinubu campaign group widely associated with the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

    Fayose has openly declared support for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, predicting that the former Anambra State governor will dominate the South-East and South-South zones in the next presidential election.

    Opposing views

    Not all Nigerians agree with Fayose’s framing. One social media user, identified as @prinxe_B, argued that blaming the fuel crisis solely on Tinubu was intellectually dishonest, describing the refinery problem as a legacy of collective failure spanning the administrations of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari.

    Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna have remained largely non-operational for decades despite repeated rounds of rehabilitation spending. The Dangote refinery began distributing fuel locally in late 2024, but prices have remained high, with the refinery citing the naira’s weakness against the dollar as a key factor. Petrol prices have risen from under ₦200 per litre at the time of the subsidy removal in May 2023 to current levels above ₦1,300 in many states.

  • Top 10 MCs in Ilorin, Kwara State

    Ilorin’s event scene has grown massively over the years, and one thing that can make or break any event is the Master of Ceremonies (MC). From weddings to campus shows and corporate gatherings, these MCs have built strong reputations through consistency, energy, and crowd engagement.

    Here’s a curated list of the Top 10 MCs in Ilorin, Kwara State, arranged in a unique order based on insider recommendations and current relevance in the city.

    1. Ayulah

    Ayulah stands out as one of the most vibrant MCs in Ilorin’s entertainment space. Known for his youthful energy and strong connection with the audience, he is a top choice for campus events, parties, and social gatherings. His ability to read the room and keep the vibe alive makes him highly sought-after.

    2. Shola Rahaman

    Shola Rahaman is widely respected for his professionalism and composure. He brings a polished and organized approach to hosting, making him a perfect fit for corporate events, high-profile weddings, and formal gatherings. His delivery is smooth, confident, and engaging.

    3. Lord ATM

    If you’re looking for hype and high energy, Lord ATM is your guy. Known for his street credibility and electrifying presence, he thrives in concerts, nightlife events, and youth-centred programs. He knows how to command attention and keep the crowd fully engaged.

    4. MC Drea

    MC Drea is one of the most reliable and versatile MCs in Ilorin. With years of experience, he has mastered the balance between professionalism and entertainment. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate function, or social event, MC Drea delivers consistently and effortlessly.

    5. Asanlu

    Asanlu has built a strong brand in Ilorin’s event industry. Known for handling large and traditional events, he brings structure, experience, and cultural awareness to every stage. He is a trusted name for weddings and major celebrations.

     

    6. Julius (Julius Plake)

    Julius is synonymous with class and elegance. He is a premium MC known for hosting high-end weddings and corporate events. His calm delivery, attention to detail, and ability to manage sophisticated audiences make him a standout in the industry.

    7. Ben Da Poet

    Ben Da Poet offers a unique blend of spoken word artistry and event hosting. He adds depth and creativity to events, making them more memorable. He is especially suitable for classy, creative, and themed events where storytelling and expression matter.

     

    8. Cayswaggs

    Cayswaggs is a rising force in Ilorin’s MC scene, particularly among the youth. His energetic and trendy style makes him a favorite for student events, parties, and entertainment shows. He connects easily with younger audiences.

    9. TY Jokes

    As the name suggests, TY Jokes brings humour to every event. He is a comedy-driven MC who keeps guests laughing while maintaining structure. He’s a great choice for weddings, birthdays, and events where fun is the main goal.

    10. Roche

    Roche is known for his lively and engaging hosting style. Combining humour with crowd interaction, he ensures guests stay entertained throughout the event. He is well-suited for social gatherings and fun-filled celebrations.

    Choosing the right MC depends on the type of event you’re planning. While some MCs specialise in high-energy performances, others excel in formal and structured environments. The names listed above represent some of the most active and reliable MCs currently shaping Ilorin’s event scene.

    No matter your choice, booking the right MC is a key step toward creating a memorable and successful event.

     

  • Comedian I Go Save Blasts Nigerian Internet Providers Over Data Fraud Claims

    Nigerian comedian I Go Save has joined the growing chorus of public voices criticising internet service providers in Nigeria, releasing a video on Wednesday in which he accused telecoms companies of defrauding subscribers by depleting data bundles far ahead of their advertised validity periods.

    The video, shared on X by user @ChuksEricE, resonated quickly with Nigerian social media users, many of whom said the complaint reflected their own daily experience with mobile data services.

    What I Go Save said

    Speaking in a mix of Pidgin and English, the comedian said his one-month data subscription was exhausted within hours of activation, questioning how that was possible without downloading unusually large files. He called on President Tinubu to look into the matter, asking whether even the president’s own data expires prematurely. “Abroad if they say you have subscribed for one month, one month na one month. Nigeria own dey stay two days. Which kind wayo be all this?” he said.

    He also extended his frustration to the wider cost-of-living crisis, urging the government to focus on data pricing before addressing other matters. “Nigerians are suffering,” he added.

    A long-running consumer complaint

    The comedian’s outburst reflects grievances that Nigerian consumers have repeatedly raised with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector’s regulator. Subscribers across all major networks, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have for years complained that data bundles expire faster than their stated duration, particularly following the significant data price increases that came into effect in early 2025.

    In February 2025, the NCC approved a tariff increase of up to 50 per cent for telecoms operators, citing rising operational costs, infrastructure investment needs, and the impact of naira devaluation. Consumer rights groups at the time warned that the increases, combined with existing complaints about data depletion, would compound hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

    The NCC has not responded publicly to the comedian’s video. RNN.NG contacted the commission for comment and will update this story upon receiving a response.

    Growing celebrity voice on economic issues

    I Go Save’s outburst comes just one day after fellow entertainer Kunle Remi made headlines for publicly criticising rising fuel prices and calling out colleagues who defend the Tinubu administration’s economic policies. The back-to-back interventions from Nigerian entertainers on economic matters reflect a broader shift in tone among public figures who have traditionally avoided direct political commentary.

  • 2026 World Cup: 42 Teams Confirmed, Six Spots Still Up for Grabs

    Forty-two countries have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Six spots remain — four through European playoffs and two via intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race is entering its final stretch, with 42 of the tournament’s 48 available spots already filled and the remaining six set to be decided within days through playoffs in Europe and Mexico.

    The tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June to July 2026, will be the largest in World Cup history — expanding from 32 teams to 48 for the first time.

    Nigeria did not qualify, having been eliminated from the African qualifying round. The Super Eagles’ absence is a significant blow for Nigerian football fans, many of whom will be watching the tournament as neutral supporters.

    Teams already qualified

    The 42 confirmed nations span all six confederations. Africa has nine representatives: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia. South America has six: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Europe’s confirmed 12 are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland. Asia has eight: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Concacaf contributed three: Curaçao, Haiti, and Panama. New Zealand represents Oceania, while hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States qualify automatically.

    The remaining six spots

    Four of the six remaining places will go to European nations, determined through a 16-team playoff. The teams still in contention are Slovakia, Kosovo, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Wales, Albania, Czechia, Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland.

    The final two spots will be settled at the intercontinental playoff in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey, where Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, Congo, and Suriname will compete for the last two berths.

    How the 48 spots were distributed

    FIFA allocated the expanded berths as follows: three automatic spots to the host nations; eight to Asia; nine to Africa through group winners in nine qualifying groups; three direct spots and two intercontinental playoff places to Concacaf; 16 to Europe across group winners and a playoff round; one guaranteed spot to Oceania; and six direct spots plus one intercontinental playoff place to South America. Two final spots go to the intercontinental playoff winners.

    Nigeria’s absence

    The Super Eagles failed to qualify after a disappointing campaign in the African qualifying zone, finishing behind their group rivals and missing out on a place at a tournament Nigeria last attended in 2018 in Russia. The absence marks a continued struggle for the team to recapture the consistency of earlier generations.

    Nigeria’s last World Cup appearance ended in the Round of 16, where they were beaten by Argentina. With the 2026 edition just months away, the Nigerian Football Federation faces mounting pressure to overhaul the national team’s approach ahead of the 2030 qualifying campaign.

    The European and intercontinental playoffs are scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2026, at which point the full 48-team lineup will be confirmed. The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match is scheduled for June 11 in Mexico City. RNN.NG will publish a full preview of Nigeria’s African rivals once the final lineup is confirmed.

  • Rodri Admits He Cannot Rule Out Real Madrid as Contract Talks Stall

    Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has fuelled speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium after publicly refusing to rule out a move to Real Madrid, stating that no player can turn down interest from the world’s biggest clubs.

    The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner made the comments during an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Wednesday while on international duty with the Spanish national team, setting off a fresh wave of transfer speculation less than 24 hours before City face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

    What Rodri said

    Asked about the transfer rumours linking him to Los Blancos, Rodri confirmed that his contract situation will need to be addressed soon. “I have one year left on my contract; there will come a point when we’ll have to sit down and talk,” he said. “You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”

    He also dismissed any notion that his history with Atletico Madrid — Real Madrid’s bitter city rivals — would prevent him from making the switch. “The fact that I played for Atlético Madrid does not stop me from playing for Real Madrid,” he added.

    In separate comments, Rodri described the Premier League as his “weakness” and said the relentless demands of English football had taken a mental and physical toll. “It was good for me to rest, to slow down… Mentally, there was a lot of wear and tear. It has allowed me to recharge my batteries and come back with tremendous enthusiasm,” he said, referring to his recovery from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for much of the past 18 months.

    City’s contract delay

    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Rodri himself will make the final call on his future. “Rodri is out of contract in 2027, and in the summer he will face a big decision, whether he wants to stay at Manchester City and consider signing a new contract, or maybe consider the possibility of trying a new chapter,” Romano said. “For sure, Rodri has fans internally at Real Madrid. He has people in Real Madrid’s management appreciating him.”

    Manchester City are said to be open to selling Rodri rather than risk losing him for free at the end of his contract in June 2027. Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon reported that the Ballon d’Or winner carries a €50 million price tag, with City prepared to accept a fee to fund a replacement.

    Real Madrid’s interest

    Real Madrid have been searching for a controlling defensive midfielder since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and their attempts to sign Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi last summer failed. Rodri has since emerged as their primary target to fill the role.

    Pep Guardiola is said to be willing to sanction the sale if Rodri decides he wants to leave, with City already planning to bring in a high-profile midfielder to replace him in the summer window.

    Rodri’s return to form

    Rodri has been working his way back to peak fitness after a cruciate ligament injury that derailed his previous season and the start of the current campaign. He played a key role in City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal and believes the enforced break may have worked in his favour ahead of a World Cup year. “This season I don’t have as many minutes on the pitch, and I’m coming back much fresher,” he said. “I feel like I’m back to being the Rodri we all want.”

    Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since become the spine of the most successful City side in the club’s history, winning four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, including scoring the winning goal in the 2023 final against Inter Milan in Istanbul. He was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in November 2024, becoming the first City player to win the award.

    City and Real Madrid face each other in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Wednesday night. RNN.NG will update this story following the outcome of that fixture and any further developments on the transfer front.

  • Rev. Dachomo Reveals He Robbed a Bank in Jos in 1980, Credits Jesus Saves

    Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, the Plateau State cleric known for his vocal activism on the killing of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has revealed that he was a member of an armed robbery gang that raided a bank in Jos, Plateau State, in 1980.

    The disclosure, made in an interview with a foreign media outlet and shared online on Wednesday, has since gone viral, generating widespread reactions across Nigerian social media.

    What Dachomo said

    Dachomo confirmed that his gang successfully carried out the bank robbery in Jos, making away with a substantial sum of money, and that the operation was led by a close associate at the time.

    He described a spiritual encounter that he said marked the turning point in his life, recounting that Jesus appeared in his room while he was asleep, accompanied by seven angels, and engaged in a supernatural battle with what he described as 14 demons operating in his life. According to Dachomo, he pretended to be dead among fallen figures but was eventually discovered. “When they were coming, booting other corpses, then I had to stand up and begin to beg,” he said.

    He said he turned away from crime following that encounter, crediting the saving power of Jesus for his transformation.

    Rival account disputes the story

    The account has not gone unchallenged. A cleric identified as Baban Chinedu alleged that Dachomo’s version of events was fabricated, claiming that during the robbery, Dachomo hid among corpses and was rescued by a gang member named Emmanuel, not by divine intervention. The critic alleged that Dachomo was shot and still bears the scar from that wound, and accused him of transitioning from a “street-level bandit” to a “spiritual bandit” while inciting religious conflict.  Dachomo has not publicly responded to this counter-claim.

    Public reaction

    Nigerians on social media responded with a mix of amusement, scepticism, and support. One user suggested the story was typical of young men who grew up without older male role models to keep them in check. Others praised the cleric for his candour.

    Who is Dachomo

    Reverend Dachomo is a senior cleric in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), serving as the regional chairman for the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. He gained national and international attention after videos of him conducting mass burials for Christians killed in communal attacks went viral, drawing reactions from public figures, including US President Donald Trump, who placed Nigeria on a list of Countries of Particular Concern.

    In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan in November 2025, Dachomo said he had presided over more than 70 mass burials, sometimes burying over 500 people in a single night, and accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the scale of the violence.

    The Nigerian Army has previously condemned one of his viral videos, accusing him of spreading false and inflammatory claims about a planned terrorist attack in Plateau State and warning that his statements risked igniting ethnic and religious violence.  Dachomo denied the characterisation and said he was speaking the truth about threats facing Christian communities.

    The viral video continues to trend on Nigerian social media. RNN.NG will update this story if Dachomo or any relevant authorities respond to the competing accounts surrounding his past.