Anglican Priest Brutalised by Naval Officer in Anambra, Bishop Demands Probe

The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, has demanded a full investigation into the alleged brutalisation of an Anglican priest by a naval officer at a checkpoint in Anambra State.

In a petition addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff and dated December 2, the bishop said the incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, around 5 p.m. at a naval checkpoint in Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area.

According to Amah, the clergyman, Revd Tochukwu Agina, was allegedly assaulted under the false claim that he was making a phone call while approaching the checkpoint. He noted that eyewitness accounts and the priest’s own testimony confirmed that he was not using his phone at the time.

“On Sunday, 30th November 2025, at about 5 p.m., a deeply disturbing incident occurred at a naval checkpoint located at Okpotouno, Ogbaru LGA, where a naval officer brutalised an Anglican priest under a false allegation that he was making a phone call,” the bishop wrote.

Amah described the officer’s actions as an abuse of authority and a violation of fundamental human rights, military ethics and the Nigerian Navy’s code of conduct. He added that although the priest received first aid treatment at a naval clinic, the assault was unacceptable and required immediate action.

The bishop urged the Navy to carry out a thorough, transparent and independent investigation, identify the officer involved and impose appropriate disciplinary measures. He also called for official communication with the victim’s family and the diocese, renewed training for personnel on civilian military relations, and adequate compensation for the priest.

“No circumstance justifies brutality, false accusation or the dehumanisation of any Nigerian citizen,” Amah stated. “The uniform of the Nigerian Navy symbolises honour, discipline and service, not intimidation or oppression.”

He stressed that public trust in the Armed Forces can only be maintained through accountability, justice and swift corrective steps.

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations could not be independently verified, and the Nigerian Navy had yet to respond.

PUNCH