The Diocese on the Niger of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has suspended a popular priest, Ifunanya Maduka, over allegations of staging prophecies and presenting them as divine revelations.
Maduka, who served as the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, in Anambra State, was suspended for six months without pay, according to a letter dated April 27, 2026, signed by the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo.
The suspension letter, which has been circulating online, stated that the disciplinary action followed what the Diocese described as “credible and verifiable reports” linking the cleric to orchestrated prophetic acts allegedly involving individuals who were induced or paid to participate.
The Diocese further disclosed that the priest admitted to the allegations when confronted with available evidence.
“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,” the letter partly read.
It added that the alleged acts involved arranged and manipulated prophecies presented to worshippers as genuine manifestations from God.
The Church condemned the conduct, describing it as a serious breach of clerical ethics and Christian doctrine.
According to the Diocese, the alleged actions amounted to deception of worshippers, false prophecy and conduct capable of bringing the Church into disrepute.
It stressed that such practices violate Anglican discipline and fall short of the moral and spiritual standards expected of ordained ministers.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Maduka has been directed to hand over all church property and official responsibilities to the People’s Warden and vacate the church premises within four days.
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The Diocese also disclosed that a disciplinary panel would be set up within one month to conduct a full investigation and determine further sanctions in line with church regulations.
