The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, has formally requested that the Chief of Naval Staff initiate an investigation into an alleged assault on an Anglican priest by a naval officer in Anambra State.
In a letter dated December 2, Bishop Amah reported that the incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, at approximately 5:00 p.m., at a naval checkpoint in Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area. The bishop stated that Revd. Tochukwu Agina was allegedly assaulted based on an unfounded claim that he was using a mobile phone at the checkpoint.
The bishop asserted: “On Sunday, 30th November 2025, at about 5pm, a deeply disturbing incident occurred at a naval checkpoint located at Okpotouno, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a naval officer brutalized an Anglican priest of the Diocese of Ogbaru under a false allegation that he was making a phone call at the checkpoint.”
According to Bishop Amah, eyewitness accounts and the priest’s testimony corroborate that Revd. Agina was not using a phone at the time. He further noted that, although first aid was administered at the naval clinic, the alleged assault constituted a violation of human rights, military codes of conduct, and professional ethics within the Nigerian Navy.
The bishop called on naval authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the matter, and to take appropriate disciplinary action against the officer involved. He also requested official communication to reassure the affected family, church, and community; measures to prevent future incidents through renewed training on civilian–military relations and rules of engagement; and adequate compensation for the clergyman.
Bishop Amah emphasized that Nigerians continue to respect the Armed Forces and that accountability and prompt corrective action are essential to maintaining public confidence. He concluded: “Justice for one citizen is justice for all.”
As of the time of publication, the Nigerian Navy has not responded to these allegations, which PUNCH Online has not independently verified.#newsafro_
