The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, has suspended one its priest, Reverend Ifunanya Maduka, over allegations of engaging in arranged and manipulated prophecies.
In a letter signed by the Bishop on the Niger, The Rt. Rev’d Owen Nwokolo, dated April 27, 2026, currently circulating online, the Diocesan suspended Rev. Maduka as Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, in Anambra State, for a period of six months without pay.
The Diocese said its decision followed “credible and verifiable reports” that the cleric allegedly orchestrated and manipulated prophetic acts by involving individuals he reportedly induced or paid, while presenting such actions as genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
According to the letter, Rev. Maduka admitted to the allegations when confronted with the evidence. This act, the diocesan noted as grossly unbecoming of an ordained Priest of the Anglican Church.
“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. Specifically, credible and verifiable reports have been brought before us alleging that you engaged in arranged and manipulated prophecies by involving persons whom you induced or paid for that purpose, while presenting such acts as genuine prophetic manifestations from God.
“When you were confronted with the evidence made available to us, you admitted your involvement in the said unholy practice,” part of the statement read.
The Church described the conduct as “grossly unbecoming” of an ordained priest, citing concerns including false prophecy, deception of worshippers, and actions that could amount to obtaining money under false pretense.
“This development is particularly troubling because you had previously been commended to us as a priest of sufficient knowledge, good conduct, and sound doctrine. In order to be doubly assured, we personally engaged you on several occasions concerning your ministerial conduct and practices. On each occasion, you maintained that your ministry was in accordance with the teachings of Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the ethos of the Anglican Church.
However, the recent revelations before us show that those assurances were false and misleading.”
Bishop Nwokolo noted that from the evidence available, Rev Maduka 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 pretense.
The Diocese further stated that the priest’s actions violated Ecclesiastical moral, Christian doctrine, Anglican discipline, and ethical standards expected of a clergy, adding that they had brought disrepute to the Church.
“Your actions have brought dishonour 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.”
As part of the suspension, Maduka has been directed to hand over all church property and responsibilities to the People’s Warden and vacate the church premises within four days.
The Diocese also disclosed that a disciplinary panel will be constituted within one month to further investigate the matter and determine any additional sanctions in line with church regulations.
The letter ended with prayers for the Lord to have mercy upon him, grant him true repentance, and give him grace to amend his ways and serve Him henceforth with a sincere and faithful heart.
