Former Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Sir Charles Udoh, has shared emotional memories of the Reigners’ Bible Church building collapse, nine years after the tragic incident.

Writing on his social media handle on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, Udoh described the day, 10 December 2016, as the moment his life changed forever.

According to him, what began as a normal day quickly turned into a scene of tragedy when the church roof collapsed during the bishopric ordination of Apostle Akan Weeks. The event, attended by top government officials including then Governor Udom Emmanuel, claimed several lives and left many others injured.

Udoh recalled walking into the church that morning as a public servant only ten days into a new assignment. He said he walked out “bruised, bleeding, broken, yet alive.”

He explained that he survived a deep head injury that required eight stitches without anaesthesia, fractured ribs, and a hairline fracture in his right hip that doctors feared could lead to paralysis if operated on. He noted that the hip still gives him occasional reminders of how close he came to death.

Udoh also revealed that the scar on his head healed into the shape of a “C,” which his wife calls “a tattoo of God’s love,” describing it as a permanent symbol of grace.

In his message, he expressed deep sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the collapse, saying their pain remains unforgettable. He added that his survival was not by “strength, wisdom or luck,” but by God’s mercy.

“Nine years later, I live more intentionally. I love more deeply. I serve more humbly,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for life and the journey since the incident.

The former banker ended his post with heartfelt thanks to God, saying, “It could only have been You.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A CEO accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud scheme against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was arrested at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Cashmir Chinedu Luke, the CEO of Fresno-based Four Corners Health LLC, was taken into custody on fraud charges after a federal criminal complaint alleged he defrauded the VA of more than $7 million through false claims for in-home care services.

Key Details of the VA Fraud Allegations

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the fraud occurred from 2019 to 2024 while Luke operated Four Corners Health, which provided unskilled nursing care to elderly VA beneficiaries across several California counties, including Fresno, Tulare, Merced, and San Francisco.

The federal complaint outlines a two-pronged scheme:

• Billing for Unprovided Care: Submitting claims for thousands of hours of care that were never actually delivered to veterans.
• Billing for Deceased Veterans: Fraudulently claiming payment for services rendered to veterans who had already died.

Authorities state Luke submitted over 10,000 false claims, systematically defrauding the VA system.

Lavish Spending and Fund Transfers

Following reimbursement from the VA, prosecutors say Luke immediately spent the funds on lavish personal expenses or rapidly transferred the money through a network of bank accounts across Asia and Africa in an apparent effort to conceal the fraud.

Legal Consequences and Potential Penalties

Cashmir Chinedu Luke now faces substantial federal penalties if convicted. The charges carry a maximum sentence of:

• 10 years in federal prison
• A fine of up to $250,000

His arrest at SFO prevented his intended departure to Nigeria, and he remains in federal custody facing prosecution.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said he chose not to hold an elaborate celebration for his 63rd birthday because of the current mood of the nation.

Akpabio marked his birthday on Tuesday with a simple cake-cutting ceremony in his office. The cake was presented by his staff and aides after the Senate plenary, with some senators also present.

Speaking after cutting the cake, the Senate President said it did not feel right to celebrate in a big way while many families across the country are still in pain.

“For some of our children to still remain in captivity, as parents, our hearts are wounded,” Akpabio said. “We go home to pray that soon, God will help our security chiefs recover all the children still held captive. And for those who lost their lives while trying to protect those children, may their souls rest in perfect peace.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described Akpabio as a “wonderful man” and praised his cheerful personality. He said Akpabio has a natural gift for lifting people’s spirits and urged Nigerians to continue praying for him.

Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele also praised Akpabio’s leadership, saying he has shown “high cerebral capacity” in leading the Senate. He noted that even those who do not fully support Akpabio recognise his abilities.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and South-South Caucus Chairman, Senator Seriake Dickson, said Akpabio remains an “uncommon leader”, recalling his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State. He added that disagreements among lawmakers are normal but are always for the national interest.

In his vote of thanks, Senator Abdul Ningi commended Akpabio for treating all senators fairly, regardless of political party or ethnic background.

Ningi, speaking on behalf of the Senate, thanked Akpabio “for being around for us and for Nigeria” and for managing the challenges of leading a diverse Senate.