{
  "id": 14768532,
  "title": "I’ve sponsored Muslim pilgrims for 25 years, Akpabio defends religion comment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/ive-sponsored-muslim-pilgrims-for-25-years-akpabio-defends-religion-14768532",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T19:16:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ive-sponsored-muslim-pilgrims-for-25-years-akpabio-defends-religion-comment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Senate President Godswill Akpabio defended his controversial comments about Muslims during a recent Senate debate, asserting that he has sponsored Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca for 25 years. Akpabio addressed the backlash that followed his remarks during the consideration of the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026. The bill aims to tackle issues related to suicide prevention. During the debate, Akpabio claimed that some young people contemplate suicide due to their belief in receiving seven virgins in the afterlife. Critics accused him of disparaging Islam and Muslim beliefs. In response to the controversy, Akpabio stated that his comments were taken out of context and misinterpreted for political purposes.",
  "summary": "Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his recent comments on religion, stating he has sponsored Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca for 25 years. Read More: https://punchng.com/ive-sponsored-muslim-pilgrims-for-25-years-akpabio-defends-religion-comment/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "I’ve sponsored Muslim pilgrims for 25 years, Akpabio defends religion comment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/ive-sponsored-muslim-pilgrims-for-25-years-akpabio-defends-religion",
        "published": "2026-10-15T19:14:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}