The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, has called on the Chief of Naval Staff to investigate the alleged assault of an Anglican priest by a naval officer in Anambra State.
In a letter dated December 2, the bishop said the incident took place on Sunday, November 30, at about 5:00 p.m. at a naval checkpoint in Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He alleged that the priest, Revd. Tochukwu Agina, was assaulted “under a false allegation that he was making a phone call at the checkpoint.”
The bishop wrote, “On Sunday, 30th November 2025, at about 5 p.m., a deeply disturbing incident occurred at a naval checkpoint located at Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a naval officer brutalised an Anglican priest of the Diocese of Ogbaru under a false allegation that he was making a phone call at the checkpoint.”
According to him, both eyewitness accounts and the victim’s testimony confirmed that the priest was not using a phone at the time.
“Credible eyewitness accounts and the victim’s testimony confirm that the priest was not making any call at the time of the encounter, yet he was subjected to physical assault and inhumane treatment.
“Even though he was given first aid treatment at the naval clinic,” the bishop added.
Amah described the officer’s conduct as “not only an abuse of authority but a clear violation of fundamental human rights, the military code of conduct, and the professional ethics of the Nigerian Navy.”
He urged the naval authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation and to take appropriate action.
“While we acknowledge their service to the nation, no circumstance justifies brutality, false accusation, or the dehumanisation of any Nigerian citizen.
“The uniform of the Nigerian Navy symbolises honour, discipline, and service — not intimidation or oppression. The priest identified himself both by his attire and through his words,” he said.
He requested that the Navy carry out a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident, identify and discipline the officer involved, communicate officially with the affected family, church, and community, take steps to prevent future occurrences through renewed training on civilian–military relations and rules of engagement, and provide adequate compensation to the clergyman.
Amah stressed that Nigerians continue to respect the Armed Forces.
“Your Excellency, Nigerians still hold the Armed Forces in high esteem. It is only through justice, accountability, and swift corrective action that public confidence in our security institutions can be preserved.
“We trust in your leadership and sense of duty to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it deserves. Justice for one citizen is justice for all,” he wrote.
Although the allegations could not be independently verified by PUNCH Online, the Nigerian Navy had yet to respond to the claims as of the time of publication.
