The Diocese of the Niger, Anglican Communion, has suspended Reverend Ifunanya Maduka, a priest at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Nteje, Anambra State, for allegedly staging fake miracles and delivering false prophecies. The suspension letter, signed by the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, and dated April 27, 2026, indicates that Rev. Maduka will be suspended for six months without pay due to his involvement in practices deemed grossly unbecoming of an ordained priest of the Church.
Allegations of Staged Miracles and Prophecies
The Church accused Rev. Maduka of orchestrating manipulated prophecies and miracles by involving individuals he knew and paid for the acts, while presenting them as genuine prophetic manifestations from God. According to the Church, when confronted with evidence of these unholy acts, Rev. Maduka admitted his involvement in the said practices.
Church's Response and Disciplinary Action
The Church described the clergy's actions as inconsistent with the calling and sacred responsibilities of an ordained minister of the Gospel. The letter stated that Rev. Maduka's actions have brought dishonor to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and ridiculed the image of the Diocese. It further noted, "From the evidence available to us, your conduct raises grave ecclesiastical, moral, and disciplinary concerns, including involvement in false prophecy, abuse of the name of God, deception of the faithful and the general public, and conduct capable of amounting to obtaining money under false pretence."
"Such actions are wholly inconsistent with the calling, character, and sacred responsibilities of an ordained minister of the Gospel. You are fully aware that the Church does not condone evil, nor does it harbor any conduct that contradicts Christian doctrine, Anglican discipline, moral integrity, and the ethical standards expected of the clergy. Your actions have brought dishonor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, grieved the Holy Spirit, abused sacred trust, ridiculed the image of the Diocese, and given occasion for the enemies of the Church to speak reproachfully against the body of Christ," the statement added.
The Bishop emphasized that the suspension took immediate effect and directed the clergy to hand over all properties, records, documents, keys, and other items belonging to the Parish to the People's Warden. Rev. Maduka was also required to vacate the church premises within four days from the date of the letter. According to the letter, a disciplinary panel will be constituted to investigate the matter more fully and determine any further action that may be necessary in accordance with the regulations of the Church.
