The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese on the Niger, has suspended a priest, Venerable Ifunanya Maduka, over allegations of staging what it described as “arranged prophecies,” in a case that has stirred controversy within the clerical community.
In a letter dated April 27, 2026, which has since gone viral on social media, the Bishop on the Niger, Owen Nwokolo, announced the immediate suspension of Maduka, who served as Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, Anambra State. The suspension, according to the directive, will last six months without pay.
The Diocese said its action followed what it called “credible and verifiable reports” alleging that the cleric engineered fake prophetic acts by recruiting and allegedly paying individuals to stage spiritual encounters, which were then presented to worshippers as divine revelations.
The letter further stated that when confronted with the allegations and supporting evidence, the priest reportedly admitted to his involvement in the practice.
“It has come to our attention, with deep sadness and grave concern, that you have been involved in practices grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church… involving persons whom you induced or paid for that purpose, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations from God,” the statement read in part.
The Church condemned the conduct as a serious breach of clerical ethics, warning that such actions amounted to deception of worshippers and could border on obtaining money under false pretences.
It added that the priest’s conduct violated Anglican doctrine and disciplinary standards, and had brought the Church into disrepute.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Maduka has been ordered to immediately hand over all church property and responsibilities to the People’s Warden and vacate the parish premises within four days.
The Diocese also disclosed that a disciplinary panel would be constituted within one month to conduct a further investigation and determine additional sanctions in line with church regulations.
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