The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Prophet Afolabi Hodonu, over involvement in drug trafficking. According to a statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended alongside his wife, Success Hodonu, aged 35, on 2nd April 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border in Badagry. The agency disclosed that approximately 11 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, was recovered from the couple at the point of arrest.
Church Reacts, Denies Affiliation
In a swift reaction, the leadership of the Church has distanced itself from the accused cleric. Speaking on behalf of the church, its spokesperson, AVSE Kayode Ajala clarified that internal administrative records do not recognize Prophet Hodonu and his wife as members of the Ketu mainstream of the church.
According to AVSE Ajala, the Ketu mainstream operates under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence, Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa. “Our administrative records confirm that the said Shepherd, Afolabi Hodonu and his wife do not belong to the Ketu mainstream of the Celestial Church of Christ,” Ajala stated.
AVSE Ajala expressed deep concern over the development, noting that the image of the church had been unfairly dragged into the controversy. He described the allegation as a “despicable act” that does not reflect the values and doctrine of the Celestial Church of Christ. To ensure clarity and accountability, he further revealed that the church would deploy its Task Force Corps to the Seme axis of Badagry for an independent fact-finding mission.
“Given that the name of the Celestial Church of Christ has been dragged into this despicable act, we shall dispatch our Task Force Corps to Seme, Badagry, for a fact-finding mission,” he added.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over individuals falsely parading themselves as clerics, thereby bringing religious institutions into disrepute.
Observers note that the firm response by the Ketu leadership signals a continued effort to protect the integrity and sanctity of the church.
