Naval Officer Pummels Anglican Priest at Anambra Checkpoint, Bishop Demands Probe

The Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Rt Rev Prosper Amah, has called on the Chief of Naval Staff to investigate an alleged assault on an Anglican priest by a naval officer in Anambra State. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday, November 30, around 5:00 p.m. at a naval checkpoint in Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

According to the bishop, Revd Tochukwu Agina was assaulted over an unfounded claim that he was making a phone call at the checkpoint. Eyewitnesses and the priest’s own account reportedly confirm that he was not using a phone when the confrontation occurred. The priest received first aid treatment at the naval clinic following the incident.

Bishop Amah described the officer’s actions as an abuse of authority and a violation of human rights, military code, and professional ethics. He urged naval authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, hold the officer accountable, and provide official communication and reassurance to the affected family and church community. He also called for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and adequate compensation for the priest.

In his letter, the bishop emphasized that Nigerians continue to respect the Armed Forces and that justice and accountability are essential for maintaining public confidence in the military. As of the time of publication, the Nigerian Navy had not responded to the allegations.